Choosing Your Own Healthy Betta Fish

Betta fish, also known as Siamese fighting fish, make wonderful pets. They take less care, maintenance and space than many other pets, and are more reasonably prices. They also do not require a large investment in materials and accessories to get started. More importantly, they are very beautiful and fun to watch, as they will learn to respond to you. Males have the most brilliant colors and so make the most beautiful pets. Never put two males together, however, as they will most likely fight. If this happens, they will damage each other and one may actually kill the other.
Choosing a healthy fish at the pet store will go a long way towards making the experience of owning bettas the best is can be.

Go to a reputable pet store and check the surroundings. The cups or bags should be mostly clean and full of living bettas. The water should be clear and fresh, and there should be no bad odors.

Check the betta’s fins. Make sure they are in good shape, not torn or damaged. Also, check the gills. They should be flat and smooth, no peeling.

Check the eyes. A healthy betta has clear eyes. If they are dull, sunken or bulging, pass that fish by.

The body should not have any bumps (parasites) or white patches (fungus infection). The scales should be smooth and flat, not loose or missing. Healthy fish have bright, vivid colors. Avoid those that are dull or pale in color. If the stomach is swollen, it’s probably a sign of a sick fish. Avoid it.

Check its behavior. The fish should be floating upright unless it is sleeping. Move your hand gently towards the container. A healthy betta is very alert and should react in some way to the movement.

If most of the fish seem healthy and happy, then look for that special betta that appeals to you. Once you have found him, be gentle with his container when checking out and taking him home. The less shaking, the less stressed he will be. And the less stressed the betta is, the quicker he will start eating, show good color and learn to like you.