RandomWiktor
Rabid Betta Activist
Ok, I know not everyone here will agree with 100% of the info in this leaflett, particularly about tank size, but I think it gives some good advice on how to better care for bettas. It also has a pro-breeder slant to it, which sure beats pet stores. I distribute these on campus and will be doing so at the LFS (so far I've only done them in Wallmart, but I'm not allowed back in now because of an incident regarding a confrontation with an employee about the fish). So, I figure if any of you want to leaflett or have friends who aren't taking good care of their bettas, it would be a start
Bettas Deserve Better
Following the release of 101 Dalmatians, shelters found themselves overwhelmed with young, unwanted Dalmatians that proved the be too much for the families who purchased them on impulse. Then came the wave of prairie dogs sent to be euthanized when it was learned that this new fad pet was a carrier of the plague. While animal welfare groups ranted and raved over the mass breeding and selling of Chihuahuas following the Taco Bell campaign, or the latest degu craze, the plight of the male Siamese fighting fish, commonly known as the betta, has been largely overlooked.
BETTAS IN THE WILD
The Siamese fighting fish, Betta splendens, is native to southwest Asia. They typically inhabit warm, slow moving bodies of water such as marshes and rice paddies. Here, they live in a clean, expansive environment with plenty of access to live food and plant life to hide in. Males are highly territorial and fight off other fish who enter their designated domain. They build bubble nests for females to lay their fertilized eggs in, and live an average of 2 years (though life spans of ten years have been recorded).
BETTAS IN CAPTIVITY
Few male bettas that live in captivity have their basic care needs met. Currently, several companies are marketing “Betta Habitats” that do not even begin to meet the proper, recommended standards for their captive care. Ranging from 2 gallons to 2 cups in capacity, these small tanks seldom include filters, vegetation, lights, heaters, and the other essentials for betta care. Additionally, there is a dangerous and cruel new fad of selling bettas with lily plants under the false impression that bettas can live off of the roots of the plant. Bettas are carnivorous fish, so suggesting that they can survive on roots is misguided ill researched, and will inevitably lead to the prompt death of the animal after a period of starvation.
BETTA FIGHTING
By nature, the male Betta splendens is a highly territorial, highly aggressive fish. Though not yet popular in America, several Asiatic countries have taken up the “sport” of betta fighting. This appalling blood “sport” involves placing two male bettas in a small aquarium together, and allowing them to fight to the death. Bets are placed on which will survive, much like dog fighting. “Victors” have little chance of surviving their horrific injuries, and are often discarded of by inhumane methods.
PROPER BETTA CARE
If you intend on purchasing a betta, do your research first! German standards suggest that all bettas (males or female) need a minimum of 10 gallons of space, with at least 5 gallons dedicated to swimming space and 50-75% of space dedicated to hiding (ie. plants, rocks, etc.). However, a 5 gallon tank is generally sufficient. Bettas must have adequate filtration, however, the filter must not create a strong current: the decorative fins of the males make swimming in these conditions stressful and exhausting. Lighting is recommended, and some sort of heater is a must: bettas need a water temperature of over 72° to maintain health, with 76°-80° being ideal. Prolonged periods of time below 72° will weaken the immune system. Bettas are prone to skin disorders, and weakened immunity will only worsen the problem. Additionally, at least 25% of the water must be changed weekly, and dechlorinators must be added regularly. Bettas must be fed a wide variety of foods, including pelleted, live, and frozen feed. You may want to drop pellets in one or two at a time if they sink, as bettas are stimulated to eat by the floating movement of the food and may disregard sunken pellets. Finally, male bettas must be housed alone! They will fight other males to the death, attack any fish that resemble bettas, and will hassle and even kill females when not mating. Small, dull colored, placid fish can live with bettas, however, the differences is dietary, heat, and space needs make solitary keeping the safest for all fish involved.
ETHICAL CONCERNS AND FINAL WORD
For bettas, like most fish, captivity bears unnecessary stress and increases the risk of disease and premature death. By selling these exotic animals who require specialized care and should only be owned by qualified individuals, pet stores are sending the wrong message about the inherent value of the individual lives of bettas and other fish. It may be best to not support industries that sell animals as commodities. However, if you have done your research, bought the proper supplies, and would like to buy a betta, it is advisable to purchase your animal from a reputable breeder rather than a pet store; they offer younger, healthier, and more colorful specimens of the species. Buying from a breeder exhibits responsible pet ownership, and sends a clear message to pet stores: Bettas Deserve Better!
Bettas Deserve Better
Following the release of 101 Dalmatians, shelters found themselves overwhelmed with young, unwanted Dalmatians that proved the be too much for the families who purchased them on impulse. Then came the wave of prairie dogs sent to be euthanized when it was learned that this new fad pet was a carrier of the plague. While animal welfare groups ranted and raved over the mass breeding and selling of Chihuahuas following the Taco Bell campaign, or the latest degu craze, the plight of the male Siamese fighting fish, commonly known as the betta, has been largely overlooked.
BETTAS IN THE WILD
The Siamese fighting fish, Betta splendens, is native to southwest Asia. They typically inhabit warm, slow moving bodies of water such as marshes and rice paddies. Here, they live in a clean, expansive environment with plenty of access to live food and plant life to hide in. Males are highly territorial and fight off other fish who enter their designated domain. They build bubble nests for females to lay their fertilized eggs in, and live an average of 2 years (though life spans of ten years have been recorded).
BETTAS IN CAPTIVITY
Few male bettas that live in captivity have their basic care needs met. Currently, several companies are marketing “Betta Habitats” that do not even begin to meet the proper, recommended standards for their captive care. Ranging from 2 gallons to 2 cups in capacity, these small tanks seldom include filters, vegetation, lights, heaters, and the other essentials for betta care. Additionally, there is a dangerous and cruel new fad of selling bettas with lily plants under the false impression that bettas can live off of the roots of the plant. Bettas are carnivorous fish, so suggesting that they can survive on roots is misguided ill researched, and will inevitably lead to the prompt death of the animal after a period of starvation.
BETTA FIGHTING
By nature, the male Betta splendens is a highly territorial, highly aggressive fish. Though not yet popular in America, several Asiatic countries have taken up the “sport” of betta fighting. This appalling blood “sport” involves placing two male bettas in a small aquarium together, and allowing them to fight to the death. Bets are placed on which will survive, much like dog fighting. “Victors” have little chance of surviving their horrific injuries, and are often discarded of by inhumane methods.
PROPER BETTA CARE
If you intend on purchasing a betta, do your research first! German standards suggest that all bettas (males or female) need a minimum of 10 gallons of space, with at least 5 gallons dedicated to swimming space and 50-75% of space dedicated to hiding (ie. plants, rocks, etc.). However, a 5 gallon tank is generally sufficient. Bettas must have adequate filtration, however, the filter must not create a strong current: the decorative fins of the males make swimming in these conditions stressful and exhausting. Lighting is recommended, and some sort of heater is a must: bettas need a water temperature of over 72° to maintain health, with 76°-80° being ideal. Prolonged periods of time below 72° will weaken the immune system. Bettas are prone to skin disorders, and weakened immunity will only worsen the problem. Additionally, at least 25% of the water must be changed weekly, and dechlorinators must be added regularly. Bettas must be fed a wide variety of foods, including pelleted, live, and frozen feed. You may want to drop pellets in one or two at a time if they sink, as bettas are stimulated to eat by the floating movement of the food and may disregard sunken pellets. Finally, male bettas must be housed alone! They will fight other males to the death, attack any fish that resemble bettas, and will hassle and even kill females when not mating. Small, dull colored, placid fish can live with bettas, however, the differences is dietary, heat, and space needs make solitary keeping the safest for all fish involved.
ETHICAL CONCERNS AND FINAL WORD
For bettas, like most fish, captivity bears unnecessary stress and increases the risk of disease and premature death. By selling these exotic animals who require specialized care and should only be owned by qualified individuals, pet stores are sending the wrong message about the inherent value of the individual lives of bettas and other fish. It may be best to not support industries that sell animals as commodities. However, if you have done your research, bought the proper supplies, and would like to buy a betta, it is advisable to purchase your animal from a reputable breeder rather than a pet store; they offer younger, healthier, and more colorful specimens of the species. Buying from a breeder exhibits responsible pet ownership, and sends a clear message to pet stores: Bettas Deserve Better!
Well said! I applaud you!
