When a betta fish is approaching death, it usually exhibits the following obvious behavioral characteristics. These signs may appear individually or simultaneously:
1、Abnormal Activity and Behavior
Reduced Swimming/Somnolence: Stays in corners or at the bottom of the tank for extended periods, showing slow responses to surrounding stimuli.
Loss of Aggressiveness: Shows no reaction to mirrors or (provocations) from (other bettas), and may even avoid interaction.
Abnormal Swimming Posture: Displays dying struggles like lying on the side, upside-down swimming, rolling, or floating upright.
2、Physical Appearance Changes
Fading Color: Vibrant colors significantly fade, and scales lose their luster.
Damaged Fins and Tail: The tail suddenly becomes or develops ulcers.
Abnormal Body Surface: Develops white spots, black patches, or abnormal secretions.
3、Deterioration of Physiological State
Rapid Breathing: Gills open and close more frequently, with a dark red color.
Loss of Appetite: Completely refuses food or has difficulty swallowing.
Body Deformation: May show hunchback, abdominal swelling, or spinal curvature.
4、Environment-Related Signs
Water Quality Sensitivity: Frequently floats to the surface or sinks to the bottom, possibly accompanied by symptoms of ammonia poisoning (such as gill congestion).
Temperature Discomfort: Body becomes stiff in low temperatures, and breathing speeds up in high temperatures.
If multiple above symptoms appear simultaneously, it is recommended to immediately test the water quality (ammonia/nitrite levels), adjust the water temperature to 26-30°C, and isolate the fish for treatment. However, if the betta has shown prolonged side-lying, severe convulsions, or other dying behaviors, the success rate of rescue is usually low.