unwell betta

Question
QUESTION: ok so i bought a lovely new male betta on friday. since ive had him all he does is either lie on the bottom of the tank in the same spot all day or he will stay at the top of the tank in the same spot. ive had loads of other bettas and they were never like this.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/50593241@N02/7296524328/

this is the tank he lives in

ANSWER: Sarah,
What other fish are in the tank with him? DO I see a male guppy? Male Betta's should not be in a tank with a male guppy or any other fish. If that is a male guppy, you will either have to remove him or the Betta. Male Betta's are solitary fish and should really be on his own. Make sure he has a heater set at 80 degrees at all times. I am thinking he is under stress because of the other fish. You also do not want to put slow swimming fish with fast. This will also stress out your Betta. Once all the other fish are removed, or the male Betta is removed and put in his own 5 gallon tank with a heater, you should see a big difference in him.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: ive always keep male bettas with other fish, and had 2 that lived with male guppies. my first betta lived with 15 male and female guppies and was very happy. but the fish he lives with are

a bristlenose pleco
bronze cories
kuhli loaches
black neon tetras
mollies
male guppies
a male dwarf gourami (he was living with my previous male betta for 10 months before my betta passed away)
golden pencilfish
bolivian rams

and the temp is at 80. as i said ive never had a problem keeping male bettas with other fish. my other bettas have always prefered living with other fish than being alone.

Answer
As with people, sometimes, fish get along and sometimes they don't. It really depends on the fish. I believe the problem is with your Gourami. Gourami's and Betta's are both Labyrinth fish and should not be housed in the same tank. Also, Gourami's are known for going after long flowing finned fish. I am still thinking that your Betta is stressed and might be being picked on by the Gourami. It is still my recommendation that the Betta be removed, or the Gourami. If you leave them together, you are likely going to lose one, and the Gourami is a stronger fish.