Betta Fish Behavior Before Death: Signs and Symptoms

Alison Page

Alison Page

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Betta Fish Behavior Before Death

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Betta fish are popular, colorful fish that many aquarists love.

Unfortunately, these fish are not especially long-lived, and one day, your beloved pet will die.

So, how can you tell if your betta fish is dying?

Read this guide to learn about the betta fish behavior to watch out for, which can indicate your pet is about to reach the end of his life.

Key Takeaways

  • Betta Longevity: In a well-maintained aquarium, expect betta fish to have a lifespan ranging from three to five years.
  • Indicators of Illness or Aging: Watch for changes in behavior and physical appearance, such as reduced feeding, color fading, and inactivity, as your betta’s life nears its end.
  • Health and Care: Consistent water quality checks, controlled feeding, and minimizing stress are vital in extending your betta’s life and mitigating the risk of premature death.

Summary Table

HeadingMain Points
Lifespan of BettasBettas live 3-5 years on average in captivity, with rare cases up to 10 years. Wild bettas have shorter lifespans.
Betta Behaviors Before DeathSigns include lack of appetite, color changes, reduced responsiveness, lethargy, and gasping at the water's surface.
Issues Affecting Betta HealthWater quality, temperature fluctuations, overfeeding, stress, injuries, and unsuitable tank mates can lead to death.
Identifying Old Age in BettasOlder bettas show faded colors, less activity, more rest, and are prone to infections.
Response to a Dying BettaCheck water quality, adjust temperature and pH accordingly, and create a comfortable environment for the fish.
Distinguishing Sleep from DeathBettas may appear dead when sleeping; check for gill movement to confirm life.

What Is a Betta’s Normal Lifespan?

In an aquarium environment, betta fish usually live for three to five years, although a few exceptional specimens have been reported to live up to ten years. Wild bettas live shorter lives due to aggression from other bettas, lack of food, adverse climatic conditions, and the like.

What Are Some Common Betta Fish Behaviors Before Death?

Noticing changing behaviors in your fish isn’t always easy. However, a betta’s behaviors before death are very distinct and can give you time to remedy a health problem and save your pet before it’s too late.

Lack of Appetite

A decrease or lack of appetite is one of the most common signs that you could have a sick fish. It’s important to pay attention to how much food your betta fish is eating under normal circumstances.

If your betta is dying, he might still go to the surface during feeding but not eat anything.

As with any fish species, a betta’s appetite tends to vary between individuals. However, I generally find my betta fish will eat two meals each day with one fasting day per week. The idea of having one day without food is to allow your betta’s body to process what’s already in its digestive system without adding more, preventing conditions like bloat and constipation.

Of course, if your betta stops eating altogether, there’s clearly a serious problem brewing.

Changes in Color

Changes in your betta’s coloration can allude to either their emotions or their health.

It is normal for their colors to fade as bettas get older, but the sudden fading of colors of a younger betta can be a cause for concern.

Not as Responsive

A healthy betta fish is a very active fish. They usually enjoy interaction with their keepers, so if you notice them not responding to your movements and greetings, this can signify that they aren’t doing so hot.

As bettas become more ill, they will respond to their keepers less and less. Your fish might also be less responsive during feeding or not come to the surface for feeding.

Lethargy

Do fish sleep? Actually, they do. So, if you see your betta floating in the middle of the tank, resting on a leaf, or hiding in a cave or hollow branch, it could just mean he is resting.

However, when you notice your betta’s activity lessens, you should pay attention. Lethargy can be a behavior some bettas display before death.

If your betta spends large amounts of time sleeping when he is usually quite active, it can be a sign he is sick.

Gasping at the Surface

When your fish is gasping at the surface of the tank, that can mean that he isn’t getting enough dissolved oxygen from the water.

Bettas use their labyrinth organ to breathe atmospheric air, which they do by visiting the surface every so often to take gulps of air. That function supplements the oxygen the fish takes from the water. However, gasping or hanging at the water’s surface generally indicates oxygen deprivation due to a health issue or poor water quality.

Bacterial Infections

Many bacterial infections can afflict betta fish, potentially causing death. These infections present with different symptoms, including the following:

  • red patches on the skin
  • frayed, ripped fins
  • inflamed, bloody gills
  • swellings on the body, especially the abdomen
  • lethargy
  • loss of appetite
  • labored or rapid breathing

If your betta displays any of these signs, you could try treating him in a quarantine tank with an over-the-counter antibacterial medication that you’ll get from your local fish store.

Betta Owners’ Experiences

A great way to learn more about what to expect when your betta pet is dying is to hear about other owners’ experiences. I found this fascinating thread on Reddit’s forum where many concerned owners discuss their fish’s behavior, fearing his demise was imminent.

I recommend you take a few minutes to check out the discussion after you’ve read this article! You’ll see that other betta fans reinforce the advice we’ve provided here.

Conditions That Contribute to the Death of Betta Fish

Water Quality Issues

One of the common causes of fish death is poor water conditions. A betta’s water temperature must be between 76 and 82 degrees, with a water pH of between 6.8 and 7.5. Sudden fluctuations in water temperature can cause temperature shock in fish, potentially leading to death.

Check your betta’s tank water every week with an aquarium water testing kit to ensure the environment is healthy for your fish. Levels of ammonia and nitrites should be zero, and nitrates should be around 20 ppm.

Overfeeding

Another potential cause of betta fish death is overfeeding.

Some bettas are very greedy and will eat whatever you offer them. However, bettas should be fed small portions of food twice per day, and you should include one day per week when you don’t feed your fish at all.

A betta fish’s stomach is only around the size of its eyeball, and overfeeding can lead to health issues, including constipation, swim bladder issues, and bloating, which could ultimately lead to death.

Stress

Long-term stress in fish compromises the immune system, leaving the fish open to attack by parasites and bacteria, potentially leading to death.

The following issues are common causes of stress in betta fish:

  • Poor water quality
  • Inadequate aquarium maintenance
  • Incorrect aquarium setup, such as size, incompatible tank mates, etc.
  • Overfeeding
  • Change in the tank environment
  • Sickness
  • Careless, clumsy handling
  • Fluctuations in water conditions
  • Glass tapping

Many of these conditions can easily be remedied to keep your fish healthy and prevent potentially lethal health issues.

Injuries

Betta Fish Behavior Before Death

Betta fish are generally hardy fish. However, their long-flowing fins can predispose them to injuries that could lead to infection and death.

Make sure that there aren’t any sharp objects in the betta’s tank that could injure him.

Unsuitable Tank Mates

Male bettas are notoriously aggressive toward each other and should never be kept together. However, some betta fish will tolerate a few peaceful tank mates, especially inverts like snails and shrimp.

But be warned! Brightly colored fish can trigger aggression in bettas, leading to stress and potential injury and death.

Is My Fish Dying of Old Age?

Like any other animal, old age will happen eventually. Betta fish dying of old age begin to slow down just like humans. Color fading, a lack of interest, and lots of sleeping are also signs your betta is dying of old age.

As they age, bettas are also more susceptible to infections and are less able to recover.

Do Bettas Sink When They Die?

Most bettas will sink when they die, so a betta resting on the bottom of your aquarium can be concerning.

My Betta Fish Isn’t Moving

When a betta is sleeping, it can mimic the signs of death. They may lay on a flat object, unmoving, and their colors may fade. This is partially a defense mechanism because other fish are unlikely to bother a dead fish.

However, if your betta fish doesn’t move at all for an hour or more, take a close look at him to see that his gills are still moving gently. If you see no signs of life at all, your betta could be dead or close to death.

Final Thoughts

Betta fish typically live for up to around five years or sometimes a little longer.

When your fish approaches the end of his life, there are a few signs to watch out for, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, and physical changes, such as loss of color, swellings on the body, etc.

Check the water quality in the tank, carry out a partial water change if necessary, and ensure the temperature and pH levels are correct and stable. That can keep your fish comfortable in his final hours.

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