Mole Betta

[EmmaGirlLizzy]

Hello all!
I haven't been on in a very long time, although my sister spent some time here over the summer, I believe.
I just got my third beta (not at once, in a row, sadly...) from walmart after a month or so without my beloved coochi snortcher.
He's really really cute - very small, about an inch and a half, I'm not sure why, but red with purple highlights. His name is Mr. Easterling, or Jack, after one of my favorite teachers here at school. He had me a little worried because his adjustment period was about 4 days, while my previous fish had adjusted almost instantly, but he started eating today and I was thrilled to come back to my room after classes to discover the beginnings of a bubble nest. Go Mr Easterling!

However, he has this burning desire to get as low in his bowl (actually a large flower vase) as possible. The 'gravel' I have is actually very large smoothed glass rocks that he is able to wriggle in between. He spends a lot of time sitting at the bottom of the bowl wedged between a few rocks, although he's become a lot more active over the past day.
I'm not concerned about his safety because the spaces are large enoug that he is able to get out easily, but I've never heard of this kind of behavior in a beta before and I'm wondering if anyone knows what's up.
Thanks for reading!
Alyssa

[Rachel]

Hi Alyssa,

It's not uncommon for different bettas to rest in strange areas of their tank. Does it appear as though he is just hanging out down there or is he rubbing himself against the marbles on purpose? I have heard of some peoples' bettas doing weird things with the marbles in their tank, such as moving them around. Also, since you just got him he may still be adjusting to his new environment.

Bettas tend to be inactive for various reasons. One thing to keep in mind is the temperature of his tank - it needs to always be kept at 78-80 degrees F. If you don't have a thermometer for him I would recommend picking one up so you can monitor it.

What are you feeding him? Variety in a betta's diet is very helpful to keep them healthy and active. Here is the HB Food page with various options for some ideas.

It sounds as though you've only had him for a few days? Have you gotten into a water change routine yet?

And just making sure, you don't have a plant on the top of his vase do you?

[EmmaGirlLizzy]

Of course I don't do flowers. I've had a few betas.

This is my first time with a thermometer, but it's one of those chemical ones that sticks to the outside of the tank, and it has not been matching up with my scientifically-accurate 'finger tests.' I have been making sure to keep the temp at about 80 degrees.

He's gotten a lot more active as time has gone on, I have only had him a few days. I think that perhaps he just likes playing hide-and-go seek more than I'm used to.

Thanks!
Alyssa

[abm]

Hi, and welcome

It sounds like you're doing fine and your betta just has some interesting habits I've used the stick-on thermometers and generally they are not as accurate as the ones that float inside the tank (which incidentally cost about the same). Also, the "finger stick" method of temperature gauging tends to vary widely with many factors, not the least of which is how toasty-warm you are, how cozy your house is, the time of year, etc. etc. I love messing in my guys' tanks in the winter b/c their water is warmer than my house! I would recommend that you invest in a "regular' aquarium thermometer (less than $1.50 in my area) and either let it float or if possible stick it on the inside of the tank.

And check out the other food options that Rachel recommended - adding variety makes bettas healthier and much happier. What are you feeding him now?

I'm glad he's adjusting well If you can, post a picture so we can all "meet" Mr. Easterling

~abm