lethargic betta fish

Question
I have only had my betta fish a few days. He is in a half-gallon tank with no
filter. He is in normal tap water treated with water conditioner. I followed all
directions very carefully when i got him (making sure water is at room
temperature, etc). The first couple days he was swimming around a lot, but
now he just seems to be floating in one place. He will swim to the surface
once in a while, but for the most part seems very lethargic. Is this just how
betta fish are generally, or could there be something wrong?

Answer
Hi Juliana;

There are several possibilities. Bettas aren't always really active so it may just be his normal behavior. The first day he was trying to get used to his new home and he's more settled in now. Another possibility is that he needs warmer water. Check the temperature of his tank water. If it is below 76f, he's too cold. Put his tank in a warmer spot and let it gradually rise. If your house stays too cool for him you may want to invest in a different tank of about 5 gallons with a heater. Bettas are tropical fish that just can't tolerate cool water for very long.

Keep his tank clean too. In a 1/2 gallon tank he needs his water changed at least twice a week. Be sure the new water is the same temperature as the old water and use a water conditioner too.

I hope he does better soon...

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins