Things to look for as follows:
Deep, rich body colors
No visible ulcers, boils, or skin problems
No visible scars or wounds
Long and flowing, or short and erect fins; not fins that are ragged,
torn, missing, collapsed, or clamped close to the body
Flat, smooth scales, not protruding from the body
Well-rounded stomach, but no swelling in the abdominal area
Body of normal girth, neither bloated nor emaciated
Visible excreta (fish waste) that is dark, not colorless
Clear eyes, neither clouded nor protruding from the sockets
No visible external parasites, such as ich (small white dots) or velvet
(a dusty gold mist
A healthy betta will:
Swim horizontally, with its head neither elevated nor lowered
Swim without effort
Swim throughout the entire length of the aquarium, not lurk in cor-
ners or hide behind decorations
Breathe normally, not heave rapidly or gulp for air