betta playing dead

Question
Hi Chris,
I've been searching the question list but couldn't find the right answer, so forgive me if this is redundant.

My betta fish has been acting strange over the last couple weeks - I have him in a large bowl with gravel and plastic fish tree/bush things. I've noticed that my fish will be head down in this bush now, looking like it's dead. I've honestly almost went to dump the water and give him a burial at sea because he didn't respond when I tapped the glass, and I've never seen fish face down like this normally.

This has only happened recently and it looks quite strange to me - it really looks dead. The fish is approaching 2 years (since purchase) so I know he's getting old, but this whole dead act is kind of scary! Is there a way to make him stop doing this? Take out the bush? I'm almost afraid to change the water because I don't want to hurt him now that he's been acting strangely! I'm not sure if he's hurt or just old or what.

The fish still swims around too, like normal, but the whole vertically sleeping position has just started recently.

Anyway, any thoughts or advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

Answer
Hi Dana;

Welcome to the world of 'senior citizen' fish keeping! He's going to be slower and not as active from now on. Doesn't mean his life is over, just not like as he was when young.

At his age he probably just can't maintain a normal posture while resting. Change his water every week or even twice a week. As long as the temperature of the new water is the same as the old water he will be just fine. Keep his bowl in the warmest place possible too. His water temperature should be at least 78. At 82 is even better. You can put a light on or near his bowl to slowly raise it and keep it higher if necessary.

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins