Last night I noticed that my betta archimedes was sitting at the bottom of his bowl. generally he is very active and it was the first time I have seen him do it (only had him about a week and he's my first). He did it a few times last night and I was a little worried because I didn't know if it was normal betta behaviour. I did an ~80% water change today, and at the moment he is active, but I have only been in about an hour and haven't been watching him all the time.

He's in a ~5gallon bowl with a Penn Plax Smallworld filter and 25W heater, temp about 79F. Haven't checked params in a couple of days but two days ago it was ammonia 0, nitrite 0.25, nitrate ~8 (as is my tap water).

If he is just resting for a short time, I would call it normal. If he stops eatings, breaths hard or bloats up then you should worry. Really look out for heavy breathing. It seems to always be the first sign that something is wrong.

Just like people, fish need breaks too. He can't swim around looking pretty all day with out getting tired. lol.

Thanks Sushi. He doesn't do it for long periods of time or anything, it is more like he is stopping for a rest and he is definately eating. I'll keep an eye out for hard breathing.

Yup Kissy is right he is probably just adjusting. Also you said you had just changed 80 % if his water so he maybe adjusting to the new water and temp as well. Kissy is correct. that is how bettas rest. In fact if you put a plant of somekind in your tank you will find he likes to perch on one of the leaves and rest which is very normal.

(you mean Sushi )

Yup me bad.Thanks Kissy

No problem Kris

Yup Zeke likes to hang out at the bottom sometimes, when He is resting. But you should watch to notice if they come up to the surface for air every once in awhile