Vertical Betta

Question
Hello.  I'm worried about my poor Betta Freddie.  I have only had him a little over a month, but when I got him (I was ignorant at the time), he was suffering from fin rot. I care for his water regularly (I have an ammonia meter), feed him every other day, I don't shock him with quick water or temperature changes, so he's been having a good time.

Recently, he has been hanging out more towards the top of the tank whereas before he much preferred the bottom.  When he does hang out at the top, he sits vertically with his nose pointed up.  He still swims around sometimes and still eats, but his behavior is new.

My apartment has been getting colder lately, but the water temperature is still within his optimal environment.

Is this a bladder condition?

Answer
Hello Justin-

Sorry for the long wait - Just had my birthday and it's hard to keep on top of everything!

Your betta might just be getting older. My 5 guys like to chill out at the surface when I am working at my desk; perhaps you can compare your betta's behavior with mine (since my boys are about 2 years old and still kicking!)

My guys like to pick a corner and float at the top with their "noses" almost out of the water. They're at about a 60 degree angle with the water's surface, and they just float their until something catches their eye, or I pay some attention to them. I'm assuming this behavior is normal, because my boys are all very healthy, and they all do this.

On the other hand, if your tank is getting very cold, this could cause the "hanging" behavior, though usually cold bettas "curl up" at the bottom to stay warm.

Anyways, I hope this is useful, and please feel free to write back if your betta's behavior is different from the normal behavior I mentioned above.

-Amber Worman