Finding the right fishy...

[LuvMyBetta]

I'm confused on where and how to find the perfect betta. I checked out Wal*Mart and they had a really nice looking rainbow colored betta, and felt as if I wanted to get him right away. But they had him in one of those side containers that was in the aquarium with various other fish in other side containers...some were dead, some were incredibly sick, so I was afraid to buy him because I was afraid that he might intake whatever they had. Who wants to have to start off with a sick fish right away?

Then I went to a petstore that had a BEAUTIFUL blue betta with a huge tail and he was very pretty. Then I saw a lady walk up, tap the cup, pick it up and place it down roughly. The betta sank to the bottom, apparently petrified, so I decided that perhaps it was better not to buy a betta thats already going through lots of stress.

Any tips on how to pick a healthy betta, and what to look for? THANKS!!

 

[ral]

Here is some advice from Betta Ed on how to pick a good betta.

http/www.nazarenenexus.com/betta_ed/betta_buying_guide.htm

I dont follow that though. My veiltail was the most pathetic looking one when I saw him in the cup, and that is kind of what made be buy him (he looked so unhappy) in the cup. My Plakat I found in the filtiest water you can imagine. Got my Plakat last Saturday and well, we are now battling ich.

But they don't cost much here (less than a $) so taking a risk on a betta you like even if it is not in the best of health is no biggie. Prices will differ in different countries I imangine.