Are betta fish supposed to hide under rocks?

Question

i bought a betta fish about 2 days ago. he seems perfectly healthy and he eats but he has been hiding under its decorative rocks at the bottom of his bowl. I thought he was dead the first time i saw him so i gently poked him with a fish scooper and he moved oout of the rocks like he was fine. is this normal for a betta fish?

Answer 1

Generally, no, but may when new, or in unacceptable water conditions.

Answer 2

Sometimes it is. It's hard to say because each Betta has their own Quirky personallity. Since he's realitivly new to his habitat, give him a few more days to warm up to the new surrounding. It's a normal thing for fish to do that when put in a new place.

If after a few days he's still hiding and not moving much, then check your water parameters.

If he's in a small tank, less than 2 gallons, he won't move much because of the lack of space.

If you got him from a petstore, he may be old. Petstores sell bettas already about 2 years of age and older. You might of picked up an older fish who's 1, getting used to a new tank, and 2 doesn't have the energy he used to.

Answer 3

Yes, it's normal, he is still getting use to the new environment. Bettas are tropical fish and like temperatures in the low 80's. They require at least a 2.5 gallon with a heater and a filter. It's a myth that they like to live in small bowls, plus in a bowl, the temperature is not steady and that can stress the fish out.

Answer 4

Bettas like to explore or find little hideouts to retreat to.  I have little caves in my tanks that they crawl into when they're not thinking they're going to get fed.  If your fish is new especially, he is probably just timid or at the least stressed from his experience and taking some time to get used to his new home.  If he's not coming out more in the next few days,  Check your water parameters and temperature.  Bettas need temps over 74F and anything cooler might make them sluggish.

Otherwise it can be perfectly normal for a betta to be a bit timid at first.

Answer 5

hes probably just scared or jsut really tired from being at the pet store lol. or maybe the water maybe to hot so under it, its shady. keep him out of any sun and does he eat the pellets? get pellets for him and give em about 3 a day and let him come and get em onthe top of the water. i think yoru little buddy is just fine =] he might be scared, give him a while...or he just likes his new toy XD