Have you ever noticed your betta is surfing the aquarium glass? It may make you concerned about your betta fish health.
Actually it can happen for some reasons. But you should solve this issue by following some steps. Hence this article will guide you why betta fish surf the aquarium glass and how to stop betta from glass surfing.
Also it will be explained that betta fish face any dangerous issue for glass surfing. So read till the end.
What is Betta Fish Glass Surfing?
Betta fish glass surfing refers to the behavior of a betta fish repeatedly swimming up and down along the walls of the aquarium. This behavior can be seen as the betta fish swims vertically, sometimes even jumping out of the water, and rubbing its body against the glass or aquarium decorations.
Glass surfing can be a sign of stress, discomfort, or boredom in betta fish, and it is essential to identify and address the underlying cause to ensure the well-being of the fish.
Common causes of glass surfing include poor water quality, incorrect water temperature, lack of hiding places, external stimuli, and inadequate aquarium size.
So as a betta fish owner first you should find out the main reason why your fish is doing this kind of behavior. Then prevent the issue as it is required.
Why Betta Fish Glass Surfing in New Tank?
Betta fish can do glass surfing for several reasons. The most possible reasons are explained in the below.
1. Tank Water Does Not Maintain the Betta’s Standard
Water condition is very important for every aquatic life to maintain a healthy and stress less life.
If your betta’s tank water is not nourishing properly and water condition is very low the betta fish can surf the tank glass. Because low water conditions make the fish stressed.
So if the ammonia, nitrates and nitrites level do not maintain as betta required it will harm the betta life as well as make this fish unhappy.
Additionally, tank temperature plays a vital role in betta’s behavior. They surf the tank glass and erratic behavior stop shifting and be lazy for too much hot water or cold water.
That’s why you should maintain the ideal betta’s tank temperature 78 degrees F though their temperature standard is 76 to 85 degrees F.
2. Irregular Tank Maintenance
Irregular tank maintenance is responsible for making the tank water condition poor and dirty. If the food leftover and fish waste remain at the bottom of the tank it will increase the possibility to develop the dangerous chemicals.
Also it creates obstacles for fish to take the oxygen from water which makes them stressful and they surf the glass irregularly.
3. Overstocking
Every fish becomes unhappy if they thrive in a crowded tank. Also if the betta fish live in a small tank with overstocking they will face health issues.
As well as it will make the betta fish aggressive to one another and make them stressed or bored. As a result they will start moving up and down the tank glass.
4. Poorly Heated Tank
Well heated tank also plays an important role on betta fish. But you should be very careful in summer season if you keep a heater in your tank.
Because tank water can be too hot at the summer time so you should keep a second option like a cooling fan to make the water cool. Otherwise do not use the heater at the summertime.
5. Noticing his Own Reflection
Noticing his reflection on the aquarium glass is another reason for betta to surf the glass.
Because betta fish are territorial and if he sees his own reflection on the tank glass he will surf the glass and flaring up to fight with the reflection.
6. Unsuitable Tank Size
A correct tank size can give the betta happy life along with swimming space and long life comparing a small tank.
Because betta fish require a tank size of 5 gallons for one betta fish. If you keep them in a small tank like 1 or 2 gallon of tank size it will make the fish bored, make the water condition toxic and stressed which lead them to glass surfing.
7. Less Decoration
A tank without enough decoration is not a good place for betta to thrive happily.
If the tank has no cave and plants it will make the betta pierce as they won’t be able to swim and hide through the decorations. As a result they will do glass surfing for poor tank decoration.
8. Overfeeding
Overfeeding can change the betta’s normal behavior. As they have a stomach like their eyeball so it is difficult to realize if they are hungry or well feeded.
Hence if you feed your betta too much food it will do some erratic behavior like glass surfing.
How to Stop Betta from Glass Surfing?
Glass surfing is a common behavior among betta fish that can be stressful for them and concerning for their owners. Here are some tips to help stop your betta from glass surfing:
Check the water conditions: Poor water quality or incorrect temperature can make betta fish anxious and restless. Make sure the water is clean, warm, and well-maintained.
Provide hiding places: Bettas need places to hide and feel secure. Add plants, decorations, or caves to the aquarium to create hiding spots.
Reduce external stimuli: Bettas can be sensitive to light and noise. Try to reduce the amount of external stimuli near the aquarium, such as loud music or sudden movements.
Increase aquarium size: Bettas need enough space to swim and explore. Consider upgrading to a larger aquarium to provide more swimming space.
Consider adding tank mates: Bettas can be social fish and may benefit from having tank mates. However, be sure to research and carefully choose appropriate species that can coexist peacefully with bettas.
FAQs
Male or female betta glass surfing in aquarium
Both male and female bettas can exhibit glass surfing behavior in the aquarium. Glass surfing is not gender-specific and can occur in response to various environmental factors that may cause stress or discomfort to the fish.
However, it is important to note that male bettas are generally more active and territorial than female bettas, and they may be more prone to glass surfing if they feel threatened or agitated.
Female bettas, on the other hand, are generally less aggressive and more social, and they may glass surf if they feel bored or lack stimulation in the aquarium.
Regardless of the gender, if a betta fish engages in glass surfing behavior, it is important to identify and address the underlying cause to ensure the well-being of the fish.
Can Glass Surfing Be Fatal for Betta Fish?
Glass surfing is not necessarily fatal for betta fish, but it can be a sign of stress and discomfort. If a betta fish engages in glass surfing for an extended period of time, it can lead to physical exhaustion and weakened immune system, which can make the fish more vulnerable to diseases and infections.
Additionally, glass surfing can cause damage to the betta’s fins and scales if the fish repeatedly rubs against the aquarium walls.
Therefore, it is important to identify the reasons behind the glass surfing behavior and take appropriate measures to reduce stress and make the aquarium environment more comfortable for the betta fish.
Can betta fish survive in glass?
No, betta fish cannot survive in a glass container for an extended period of time. While bettas can breathe air from the surface, they still require a properly sized aquarium with filtration, heating, and proper water parameters to thrive.
Keeping a betta fish in a small, unfiltered glass container can lead to poor water quality, inadequate oxygen supply, and limited swimming space, which can cause stress and health problems for the fish.
Additionally, a glass container lacks the necessary surface area for oxygen exchange, which can lead to the buildup of harmful gases and suffocate the fish.
Therefore, it is important to provide a suitable and adequately sized aquarium for betta fish to ensure their health and well-being.
Why Do Fish Swim Up and Down the Glass?
Fish swimming up and down the glass in an aquarium is a common behavior and can be caused by various reasons. Here are some possible explanations:
Stress: Fish may swim up and down the glass if they are stressed or uncomfortable in their environment. Causes of stress can include poor water quality, inadequate hiding places, external stimuli, and aggressive tank mates.
Boredom: Fish may swim up and down the glass if they lack stimulation or enrichment in the aquarium. In this case, providing more plants, decorations, or toys in the aquarium can help to reduce boredom and increase mental stimulation for the fish.
Territorial behavior: Some fish, such as cichlids, may swim up and down the glass to defend their territory from perceived intruders, including other fish or their own reflection in the glass.
Hunger: Fish may swim up and down the glass if they are hungry or looking for food. This behavior is more common during feeding times.
