Your Betta, Day One v.2
Welcome! This guide is for new and old fishkeepers alike. Here you will learn how to properly house, care for, and maintain your betta fish in a way that is humane and responsible.
Maybe you haven't yet bought your fish. Maybe you just bought one and realize you need help learning to care for it properly. Heck, maybe you've been keeping fish for years, but need a little boost. This is the place for you
If you are looking for something specific, use ctrl+F to search for your topic. On a Mac, use command+F.
(ex: "Housing", "Water", "Heater")
Maybe you haven't yet bought your fish. Maybe you just bought one and realize you need help learning to care for it properly. Heck, maybe you've been keeping fish for years, but need a little boost. This is the place for you
If you are looking for something specific, use ctrl+F to search for your topic. On a Mac, use command+F.
(ex: "Housing", "Water", "Heater")
Getting your fish:
Let's talk about buying betta splendens, or as they're more commonly known, bettas.
Please buy from stores that you know take good care of their livestock. Some major chains are notorious for bad care; if yours are like this, do not purchase your pet from them. Buying from a store that sells animals in bad shape tells them their bad practice is okay. Don't "pity-buy"; this still shows the store that what they're doing is okay because you're spending money there. Give your dollars to those who love and care for their animals!
Please buy from stores that you know take good care of their livestock. Some major chains are notorious for bad care; if yours are like this, do not purchase your pet from them. Buying from a store that sells animals in bad shape tells them their bad practice is okay. Don't "pity-buy"; this still shows the store that what they're doing is okay because you're spending money there. Give your dollars to those who love and care for their animals!
What to look for:
What should you look for in a healthy betta fish? Here are some things to consider:
What should you look for in a healthy betta fish? Here are some things to consider:
- Body: are there any immediate signs of illness like open sores, bleeding fins, missing eyes, tufts of fluff, or fins that are shut tightly to the fish's body?
- Vigor: Avoid fish that are unresponsive and instead look for perky, active fish. It is true that most fish at stores are cold and therefore not feeling their best, but an unresponsive fish may never get well. Fish that are flaring are a good bet to get.
