Do Betta Fish Sleep?

Betta fish sleep, though they don’t rest like humans. They must always stay aware of predators and other dangers in the wild.

Bettas are exceptionally light sleepers who wake up at the slightest disturbance.

Bettas don’t have eyelids, as the water provides constant lubrication. Their eyes remain open the whole time they’re sleeping. That, combined with their weird sleeping positions, often makes them look dead.

Bettas sleep in all kinds of positions — even vertically — all around their tank. Some even sleep with part of their body out of water.

These antics are alarming to many new betta owners who think their fish has died.

Fortunately, most of the time that we think our betta fish has died, it is only sleeping.

Do Betta Fish Sleep?

All fish sleep, including bettas. Bettas, and other fish, sleep with only part of their brain shut down. Their bodies go into a state of low metabolism. It allows restfulness and energy regeneration.

Part of a betta’s brain stays awake while the fish is asleep, allowing the fish to watch out for dangers.

For example, bettas sleep with their eyes open as they don’t have eyelids. Since they can see what’s going on around them, they can respond quickly to danger.

Bettas have a “lateral line” that runs down the length of their body. The lateral line is a sense organ that allows the fish to feel vibrations and water movement around them. It gives them a sense of what’s happening, even when asleep and not fully present.

How To Tell If A Betta Fish Is Sleeping

It’s pretty easy to tell when a betta is sleeping as it becomes still, usually lying on its side.

A sleeping betta’s breathing slows, though it doesn’t stop completely. Look at its gills and notice how they do not flutter as fast as they do while the betta is awake.

Sleeping bettas lose some of their colors when they sleep, becoming paler. There is some debate about why this happens.

Some researchers say the color loss helps bettas blend in with their surroundings. It keeps them safe while in a more vulnerable state.

It could also be because the fish isn’t using as much of its brain as it does while awake.

A sick betta will remain pale while it’s awake. A healthy, sleeping betta will regain its brighter color once it wakes up.

Bettas sleep in all different positions. Hobbyists shouldn’t be alarmed seeing their fish sleeping at an awkward angle.

Sleeping Positions

Most often, bettas prefer resting on their sides on the leaf of a plant.

They may curl up like a dog or cat.

Others may sleep on their sides with their heads pressed downward into the substrate.

Some bettas even sleep vertically, with their head pointed down at the gravel.

Where Do Bettas Like To Sleep?

Bettas love to sleep anywhere. One individual’s favorite spot is likely to be drastically different from another’s.

Bettas often choose random and awkward places to sleep, to the alarm of their owners. For example, they may wedge themselves into crevices, on top of the heater, or behind the filter.

They may sleep at the bottom of the tank on the gravel, inside a decoration, or on a plant leaf. Most bettas prefer plant leaves, seemingly unbothered by their defenselessness.

It’s best to adorn betta tanks with an assortment of short and tall leaves with broad leaves for sleeping.

When Do Betta Fish Sleep?

Betta fish are diurnal, preferring to sleep at night when it’s dark.

How Long Do Betta Fish Sleep?

Betta fish need to sleep between 10 to 14 hours a day. Owners must maintain a proper day-night cycle in their betta’s tank so their fish is well-rested.

Bettas need more sleep than many other species of fish. They likely need the extra energy to pull their long, awkward fins through the water. Swimming is more difficult for bettas than fish with thin, streamlined bodies.

What If My Betta Isn’t Sleeping?

A betta that isn’t sleeping is likely experiencing stress that keeps it awake.

Bettas are light sleepers in tune with everything going on around them. It’s a defense mechanism that keeps them safe.

Bettas might lose sleep if the water parameters are bad or the temperatures are too warm.

Aggressive tank mates will keep them awake with their constant picking.

Bright lights or too many hours of light can prevent bettas from sleeping, as well as a lot of noise around the house.

How To Encourage Restful Sleep

There are some simple things owners can do to help their bettas sleep better at night.

They should ensure the tank is a safe environment for their fish and that the fish has places to hide. Don’t put bettas in with aggressive tank mates, keep noises low, and turn off the lights.

Avoid Bright Lights

Bettas do not like bright lights, even during the day.

In the wild, bettas live in murky water. There is plentiful vegetation that diffuses the sunlight. Hobbyists should do their best to replicate this lighting in their fish’s tank.

Choose lights that are not super bright; dimmable lights are best. Pick plants that do not need very bright light.

Be Gentle With The Lights

A gradual change is more natural and is easier on a betta’s body. Going from complete darkness to bright light — or vice versa — can be jarring for fish.

Owners that want to spoil their betta can invest in slowly changing lights.

As the day begins or ends, the light mimics the sun. In the morning, the light gradually goes from dark to light. In the evening, it does the opposite.

Provide Shade

Bettas prefer to sleep in semi-darkness during the day. Hobbyists should provide shady areas within their tank for rest.

Tall plants and decorations provide shade while keeping most of the tank light.

Provide shade at the bottom and in the middle of the tank. Shorter plants and decorations work well for this. Shade at various levels allows the betta to choose its favorite place to sleep.

Maintain A Day-Night Cycle

Ensure the betta gets 10 to 14 hours of sleep by turning their light on in the morning and off at night.

Timers are wonderful for owners with schedules that don’t align with their fish. The timers can automatically turn the lights on and off, even when the owner isn’t home.

Keep The Temperature Warm

Bettas Are tropical fish that thrive in temperatures between 75-81°F (23.9-27.2°C). They will be healthiest and get the most restful sleep when their water is at these temperatures.

A heater is necessary to keep a betta’s tank warm in most climates worldwide.

Keep The Current Low

A betta’s large fins make swimming difficult. Bettas don’t do well with swift currents; keep the water flow low.

In the wild, they live in stagnant or gently-moving waters.

Sponge filters are usually best for betta fish, as their current levels are generally low. Hobbyists may need to put baffles on other types of filters to slow down the current.

Avoid Aggressive Tank Mates

Bettas can be the victims of bullying; their large fins make them weak swimmers.

Avoid fin nippers, like most barbs and tetras. Avoid overly aggressive fish, like cichlids and “sharks.”

Opt instead for peaceful community fish with short fins and dull colors.

Bettas are only somewhat aggressive, despite having the name “Siamese fighting fish.” They are most aggressive toward other bettas and fish that resemble bettas. They usually ignore fish that don’t resemble themselves.

Don’t Disturb Your Betta

Bettas don’t like being woken up any more than any other animal. Leave a betta fish alone while it’s sleeping so it gets good rest.

Hobbyists should not stick their hands in the tank or use their bedtime to clean it. Don’t tap the glass, try to feed them, or turn on the lights. Leave the tank alone.

How To Tell If A Betta Is Sleeping Too Much

Owners should watch their betta to understand its typical activity levels. It will be easy for owners to tell when their betta’s activity levels drop if they know what is normal.

An individual betta’s activity levels may vary drastically from other bettas.

Bettas are active fish in general. They are curious and love exploring, though they sleep more than other fish.

They usually become most active during meals and when their owner is nearby.

Excess Hiding Or Lying Down

A betta familiar with its home should only hide some of the time. It shouldn’t spend all its time resting on the tank floor. These are signs that the fish is likely sick.

New bettas usually hide for a week or two before feeling comfortable enough to be active.

Reasons A Betta Fish Might Sleep Too Much

Most bettas sleep between 10 to 14 hours a night. The average amount of time a betta spends sleeping depends on the individual.

Watch the betta’s sleeping schedule for a few weeks to see what is normal. Doing so allows the owner to determine if their betta begins sleeping too much or too little.

The Tank Is Too Dark

A tank without enough light can cause drowsiness, making bettas sleep more than usual.

Ensure the betta’s tank gets about 12 hours of light daily to maintain a day-night cycle.

The Water Temperature Isn’t Suitable

Water that is too cold or hot isn’t suitable for bettas. Wrong temperatures will likely make them sick as their immune system is compromised.

Avoid temperatures lower than 75°F (23.9°C) or higher than 81°F (27.2°C).

Cold water causes a slower metabolism, causing a betta to sleep longer than usual. Warm water speeds up the metabolism. The betta may become too active and won’t get as much sleep as they need.

Avoid placing the betta’s tank next to a window. The natural sunlight will cause dangerous temperature fluctuations. The bright light is also likely to stress the betta and prevent it from getting proper sleep.

The Betta is Sick

Sickness is one of the most common reasons that bettas sleep too much. Sick bettas do not feel good, preferring to save their energy for healing.

Owners should check their betta for other signs of illness if it is more sluggish than usual.

Many illnesses cause lethargy, including:

• Anchor worms
• Bloating
• Columnaris
• Constipation
• Dropsy
• Eye cloud
• Fin rot
• Furunculosis
• Hemorrhagic
• Hole-in-head
• Ich
• Mouth fungus
• Popeye
• Velvet

The Betta Is Growing Old

Aging bettas naturally lose energy and sleep more than they did when they were young.

Most bettas from pet stores and breeders are only a few months old at purchase. It’s relatively easy for most owners to keep track of their betta’s approximate age to tell if they’re getting old.

Bettas have an average lifespan of two to five years.

There Aren’t Enough Decorations

Many new owners make the mistake of providing too-few decorations for their betta. A mostly-empty tank is boring and can cause lethargy in bettas. They sleep because there is nothing else for them to do.

Likewise, a tank that is too small will become boring quickly, even if it’s filled with decorations. There’s simply not enough room for the betta to explore.

Hobbyists should switch out the decorations and move their positions periodically. Changing the tank gives the betta a fresh environment and boosts its mood.

How To Give A Betta Fish More Energy

There are ways to help a betta have more energy if it sleeps too much. Sometimes, it’s an easy fix. Other times, increasing energy may take more work.

First, owners should check the temperature of the tank. Ensure the temperature is within the suitable range, and fix it if it’s not.

Second, ensure they are receiving a varied and nutritious diet. Bettas should receive a variety of pellets, frozen or live food, and freeze-dried foods. Choose foods designed for bettas, which contain the proper protein and nutrient levels. Bettas often become lethargic when they aren’t eating nutritious foods.

Third, test the water to check the parameters. There should be no ammonia or nitrites and very little nitrates. The pH should be between 6.5 and 7.5. Poor water quality causes stress, which can cause lethargy. Do a water change and adjust the pH until the water quality is normal.

Fourth, ensure they are getting enough light. Bettas don’t like bright lights. They need moderate lighting for about 12 hours a day.

Fifth, check the betta for any signs of illness. Lethargy is a common symptom of most fish illnesses; owners must watch out for other symptoms. The betta may have a bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic infection. Treatment is necessary to help the fish feel normal again.

Lastly, give the betta fish some new decorations to explore. A bored betta is a tired and unhappy betta. Providing new surroundings is the perfect way to boost a betta’s activity levels.

FAQs

Is My Betta Sleeping Or Dead?

It’s easy to tell if a betta is dead or sleeping, as a dead betta fish can’t breathe.

Look at the gills and see whether they are moving. A betta’s breathing slows down during sleep, though it doesn’t stop completely.

Gently prod the betta if all else fails. A living betta will respond with some movement, even if it’s sick and weak. A betta that does not move at all is dead.

Is My Betta Sleeping Or Sick?

A sleeping betta often resembles a sick one.

Owners should watch their betta’s sleeping habits to understand what’s normal for their fish. Once they know what’s normal, it’s easier to tell if the betta is acting off.

It’s normal for bettas to sleep on the gravel or in weird positions. Bettas that spend too much time doing these things may be sick.

Be careful not to mistake sleeping for swim bladder disorder. A betta should be able to swim correctly (i.e., control its buoyancy) once it’s finished sleeping.

Can Bettas Sleep With The Light On?

Bettas can sleep with the light on and often do during the day while they nap.

Hobbyists shouldn’t leave the lights on all day and night. Too much light can interfere with the betta’s sleep cycle and prevent it from getting enough sleep. They need about 12 hours of darkness every night to get a restful sleep.

Owners should consider buying a timer for when they go away on vacation. A timer ensures the betta keeps its usual day-night cycle.

What Is A Betta Fish Hammock?

A betta hammock is a plastic leaf that suctions to the side of the fish tank. The leaf is large enough for bettas to lie down on and rest.

They are great for hobbyists that have no luck with live plants; most bettas love them.