my fish is not swimming like it used to

Question
my fish is burgundy in colour. i'm not sure what the name is. my friend gave it to me when she was going to Nigeria for vacation. The fish tank is 9" X 5" and its just one fish. I'm not too sure about other info. but let me know if u have an idea why its always lying at the bottom of the tank or close to the top of the water level
Thank you

Answer
Hi Kiki;

It sounds like you have a male betta. Bettas are the most common to keep in small tanks like yours. Here are a couple of good web sites to know more about them;

www.healthybetta.com
www.bettatalk.com

He may have a problem with his swim bladder. The swim bladder is an organ inside the fish below the spine that controls buoyancy (the ability to float). When it fails it can't help the fish to float anymore so it sits on the bottom of the tank.  

The usual reason for it failing is from temperature shock. If the water temperature changed too quickly or the temperature became too cold the swim bladder can be damaged. There isn't much you can do for him except keep him as warm ass possible and be sure that new water is the same temperature as the old water. Clean his tank at least once a week and use a good water condtioner too. The swim bladder may never work again, but many fish live long lives that way with no other complications.

I hope he feels better soon.....

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins