Yes, betta fish play dead. In fact, betta fish tend to sleep in positions that make them appear to be dead.
Don’t be afraid when you see your betta fish floating upside down, it’s probably just sleeping. You can try waking it up with some food or toys to ensure it’s alive and healthy. However, once you get used to its habits, you should let your betta rest peacefully so you don’t agitate or stress it out.
Betta fish tend to sleep in weird positions multiple times a day. To differentiate between a sleeping and a dead betta, first check whether its gills are moving. Check its appearance as well. Your betta might be unwell if its eyes are large and dull, its fins look discolored and rough, or its scales seem elevated.
