Betta Fish Life Expectancy

On average, betta fish usually have a life expectancy between 3-8 years. Betta fish that life for multiple years can become part of the family, and losing them can be very sad. While there are many fish diseases that can’t be treated, some diseases can be treated if you catch the early signs. Therefore, we have put together a list of the most common fish behavior signs before they die.

Is my fish dying? Betta fish behavior before death

The most common betta fish behavior before death is lack of energy and movement, color loss, loss of appetite, and slower speed.

Lack of energy and movement– This is the most common sign that your fish is dying. Whether its from nitrate poisoning or old age, if you see a significant change in your fish’s energy level and movement, there is a good chance it may die soon.

Color Loss– If your beta fish starts to lose color pigmentation, it is usually a sign that your fish is dying from old age. Usually an old fish will begin to take on a grayish color. If your fish turns a different color within a matter of 2-3 days, it could mean your fish is suffering from a disease such as kidney failure.

Loss of Appetite– Similar to other pets, if your betta fish stops eating, it is usually a sing that your fish is sick and could possibly die soon. This is why it is important to pay attention to how much food your fish is consuming.

Slower speed– If you notice that your fish is swimming significantly slower, it could mean that your fish will die soon. Fish that are close to dying tend to mostly hang around the bottom portion of the tank, and when they do swim it is significantly slower than before.

While there is no exact tell tale sign that your fish is dying, the list of above are some of the most common behaviors of fish before death. If your fish is exhibiting multiple things from the list above, it is not a good sign. If your fish is young, it may just be going through hormones which might change its behavior. Regardless, in order to ensure your fish lives a long healthy life, make sure your fish always has enough to eat and the water in the fish tank is regularly changed and clean.