If bettas have to go up to the top and breathe every couple of mins, how do they sleep? thats been bothering me for a while now so i figure i'd ask.

I could be wrong but as far as i know they only need to use this organ if the water is really stagnant and they cant get oxygen from it. In the aquarium i suppose its just habit they do this, so when they sleep i suppose they can manage without coming for air.

huh... Thanks thats interesting.

Yep, and with males, a lot of their time at the surface is spent blowing bubbles, not breathing. Ever notice all those little bubbles? It's part of their nesting behaviour apparently

Part of Betta's brains stay alert while they're asleep. So then when they need to go up for air, that part of the brain takes over so he swims to the surface and gets new air. The entire time, the little guy's asleep. Pretty cool, huh?

That is cool.

I also have a tall plant in my betta tank and he sleeps at the top. If he needs air he only has to lift his head a tiny bit. He is NOT lazy....just very smart!

Hah! that IS smart!