There is a species of tropical fish that has often captured the hearts and imaginations of many people; these animals are vibrant, graceful and exuberant. Their personalities shine out amongst other fish species and each one is believed to be unique with different likes, dislikes and general behaviours. Often referred to as 'Siamese fighting fish' or simply 'fighters', the actual name for this species is betta spledens, though many refer to them as the humble betta.
Unfortunately it seems an increasing number of people are not able to enjoy these animals in their full splendour as misinformation abounds in many locations - usually the stores selling the bettas in the first place. Due to the misconceptions that accompany these animals they are regularly kept in less than ideal conditions where they may become sick and perish. When approached with the true level of care required for bettas to live happily and healthy it is not unknown for novice keepers to receive the truth with a lot of apprehension and in some cases innocence or ignorance can be replaced with stubbornness and arrogance.
There are countless resources available on the internet that offer wonderful advice for those who want to care for bettas and appreciate their beauty to its full extent but then why do so many stores insist on pushing tiny tanks and continue to spread myths like wildfire and what makes a betta different from every other fish to the point that people may buy them as a living ornament, not a pet?
Granted, it is normal to trust and believe that pet store staff know that which they sell but oftentimes when it comes to bettas and other species of fish like goldfish they simply drop the ball. I'm relieved that there are numerous independent aquatics stores that are determined to ensure their bettas are sold with appropriate care information but as so many chain stores have found bettas to be easy to stock and sell with inappropriate care as part of the package I still feel it important to add my experiences and compilation of care guides to the masses one can find with just a few moments effort.
Unfortunately it seems an increasing number of people are not able to enjoy these animals in their full splendour as misinformation abounds in many locations - usually the stores selling the bettas in the first place. Due to the misconceptions that accompany these animals they are regularly kept in less than ideal conditions where they may become sick and perish. When approached with the true level of care required for bettas to live happily and healthy it is not unknown for novice keepers to receive the truth with a lot of apprehension and in some cases innocence or ignorance can be replaced with stubbornness and arrogance.
There are countless resources available on the internet that offer wonderful advice for those who want to care for bettas and appreciate their beauty to its full extent but then why do so many stores insist on pushing tiny tanks and continue to spread myths like wildfire and what makes a betta different from every other fish to the point that people may buy them as a living ornament, not a pet?
Granted, it is normal to trust and believe that pet store staff know that which they sell but oftentimes when it comes to bettas and other species of fish like goldfish they simply drop the ball. I'm relieved that there are numerous independent aquatics stores that are determined to ensure their bettas are sold with appropriate care information but as so many chain stores have found bettas to be easy to stock and sell with inappropriate care as part of the package I still feel it important to add my experiences and compilation of care guides to the masses one can find with just a few moments effort.
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General Care
This section of the site contains the most basic information you need to successfully keep bettas. Aquarium size, heating, filtration: this guide explains it all in simple, easy to understand chunks. |
Common Behaviours
Bettas are curious things; sometimes they display behaviours that can be confusing or even distressing to new keepers so I've outlined the two most common behaviours in a simple guide. |
Bettas & Filters
A simple guide I wrote that explains the different kinds of filtration and their use with bettas. Please read the aquarium set up guides (especially filters & cycling) before reading this. |
