beta behavior

Question
I recently bought a male Beta. I put him in around a two gallon tank. I've started to notice that he just hoovers at the top of the water and rarely swims around anymore. Bad sign? Also, I have been treating the water with this cleanser that takes out impurities...does he need this.

Dr. Carranco and I thank you.

Answer
Hello Caleb -

All fish need a water clarifier of some kind if you are using tap water to refill his tank. If you use bottled water, you do not need a water clarifier since the water does not contain chlorine. Without knowing the brand, I can't really advise on how to use it properly - Most water clarifiers are added to water in a separate container before the fish is introduced to it. As for floating at the surface, this is natural betta behavior since bettas are anabantoids (partial air-breathers.) Even if your betta bobs at the surface and doesn't swim freely, he should still respond to your presence. If he does not respond to you, his water may be dirty or too cold. Bettas do best when kept at 80 F and for a 2 gallon tank, you would want to change the water at the end of every week.

Hope this helps,
Amber Worman