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Yes, Betta Fish can hear! In fact, they have Ears. They are disimilar to human Outer Ears, but they are Ears nevertheless. The Ears are located behind the skin near their eyes. They appear as a small opening. And are in fact “internal” Ears. They are covered with Sensory Hairs that are designed to detect sound.

Fish hear via Sound Waves. As the sound moves through the water it makes vibrations. The vibration from the sound waves stimulates the skin and ears of the Fish. So essentially a Fish uses it’s body to hear as well as it’s internal Ears.

Fish can also hear via their “Lateral Line”. Which is a fluid-filled tube that is very senstitive to water pressure. As the water pressure builds the Lateral Line sensors react and build up pressure in the organ. Causing the Fish to react (hear) to this pressure.

Note: Sound Waves are multiplied through the water 5 fold. So you should never tap the tank of a Fish. As you can imagine the sound they hear.

Oftentimes Bettas refuse to eat when exposed to a new environment. Whether you bought your Betta from a breeder or at the pet store, the new fish needs time to adjust. It is normal for Bettas not to eat for up to two weeks after being brought home. Food should be introduced one pellet per day until he begins to eat. Do not be alarmed if your fish ignores the pellet or spits it right out – Bettas can be very picky eaters, especially after stressful situations. If after 5 minutes your fish does not eat the pellet, remove it from his water and try again the next day.

Yes, they do sleep. All living animals must sleep to survive. Many Fish will slow down, float or hover in one spot. But Bettas seem to lounge. Many of them will lay down in a “L-Shaped” position (head up, body to the side). Some will look like they are dead. And others will just stay at the top of the water.

Marine Fish, sleep in the day and hunt at night. Their nocturnal predators instinct takes over. But Tropical Fish, tend to be on the same sleep cycle as humans. Sleeping at night. They move around more rapidly in the daylight and slow down considerably at night.

Note: You can actually see a Betta yawn at night. They open their mouth and make the same yawning motions as you would.