crazy betta

Question
I have a beta that for the longest time was very social, in that he would swim to the front of his 10 gallon  bowl and greet me, almost wagging his tail like a dog when I got home. He was always doing the bubble nest thing and seemed happy - until recently. Now he burrows into the glass "rocks" in the bottom of the bowl, and stays there. Only rarely do I find him swimming or eating, and when I do, he hides almost immediately. I usually feed him the pelleted beta food, but sometimes give him the flake food for variety. Is it normal for him to bury himself like that?  

Answer
Hey Mark,

Typically a change in behavior like that is not a good sign. Typically, betta live about 3 years, so perhaps old age is kicking in. If not, check for any signs of change in the water quality, feeding, temperature, or other outside factor. If you've changed something about his home, his personality will change. If you do find something's changed, change it back. He should perk up. If you feel old age may be a part, then i wouldn't worry, there typically is not much you can do.

If a change hasnt been made, and he isnt an old fish, then i'd check him over for signs of sickness. Because you seem like you've been involved with fish for a while, I'm sure you know what the most common signs are. (if i'm wrong, feel free to ask!). If you find he has early stages of ich, ammonia poisoning, velvet, fin rot, body fungus, worms, injury, or other physical condition, take immediate action to correct it, or ask if you're not sure what to do.

Best wishes and good luck!