pamelakt

Out of curiosity, how long can a betta go without access to the air at the top of the tank?

Only, I'm sure I read somewhere that they do actually sleep? I stayed at my mum's last night, popped round on my way to work to give Hamish his breakfast (so spoilt!!) and he was lying at the bottom of his tank - soon as I put the light on he flew up so I assume he was resting/sleeping as it was dark.

How long can he do this for then without grabbing air from the top?

First time I've caught him sleeping! I guess where I wasn't there he was having a bit of a lie in!

jdhef

I don't know how long they can go without surfacing, but I would assume that when they are sleeping it is not as often as when awake. I would also assume they wake up and surface when they need to. My guy sleeps in the top of a plant I have in the rear corner that comes very close to the surface.

sirdarksol

Not sure how long they can do this, but they do sleep. In deeper tanks, they'll often sleep on something like the fronds of a plant, if they can. This may be so that they are closer to the surface, making it easier to rise up for a gulp, maybe without having to fully wake up.

pinkfloydpuffer

I've never seen my bettas sleep strangely... I see my puffers asleep at least once a week...

But, I think that they can get away with less surface breathing when asleep than when awake.

pamelakt

Oh rite.... I think he was definately aslweep it was like he was curled up! I paused cos I thought oh my god he's died!!! But as soon as he realised I'd put the light on he bolted to the top to grovel for food as usual....

Bless!!

Phinny12

Mine Sleep. I have seen them. I have big broadleaf silk plants in their tanks and they lay on the leaves close to the surface. I am always carful not to turn on a bright light and startle them awake. So cute.

Martinismommy

All my Bettas sleep....They lay at the bottom....You should see them all wake up when the lights go on lol.....They know it is "Chow time"