Sluggish Betta

Christmas 2003 Originally uploaded by Mean and Pinchy. ‘Tis the season to give gifts from the heart but if you’re thinking of giving a Betta fish to someone as a gift there are a few things to consider beforehand. Each December hundreds, if not thousands, of Siamese Fighting Fish are given as gifts to children, parents, spouses and significant others and like clockwork … [Read more...] about Giving Bettas as Holiday Gifts

Jetsam the goldfish Originally uploaded by Robert Seber. Q: Anon wrote, I want to get another Siamese Fighting Fish but don’t want to have to set up a whole new aquarium just for him and I don’t like the idea of using tiny bowls. I currently have a 10 gallon with 2 fantail goldfish. Can I put my Fighting Fish in with the goldfish or will that put them at risk of being … [Read more...] about Housing Bettas with Goldfish

Neon Tetras Originally uploaded by Big-E-Mr-G. Q: G wrote, Do Neon Tetras make good tank mates for male bettas? How many can go in a 10 gallon aquarium? A: Neon Tetras (Paracheirodon innesi) may make good tank mates for your male Betta if the circumstances are right. The basics for success are already there. Both neons and bettas enjoy similar water parameters. They thrive … [Read more...] about Betta Tankmates: Neon Tetras

Betta with healthy looking gills.Q: MU wrote, Hi Christie. I am hoping you can help me with my male Siamese fighting fish. Lately he has been laying on the bottom a lot not being very active. His gill covers are sticking out a little bit and look sort of red and irritated and he hasn’t been blowing bubble nests like he was when I first got him. I don’t see any spots or fuzzy … [Read more...] about Betta with Red, Inflamed Gills

Firefly’s Rays Originally uploaded by ballookey. Q: CWR wrote, I am really hoping that you can help me. My betta fish, Pete, is on the bottom of the tank. He doesn’t come up to eat only for air. I am really worried about him. Is there anything I can do? Please let me know. I would really appreciate it and so would he. A: I’m sorry to hear that your betta isn’t feeling well. … [Read more...] about Betta Loses Appetite

Q: HO wrote, Hello there. I have had my betta for about 6 months in a 1 gallon bowl. I heard that bettas are supposed to be pretty active but mine mostly just lays on his plant. He doesn’t greet me with a wiggle like other people say their bettas do. I tested for ammonia like you said and it was zero. I change his water every 4 days with bottled distilled water. I also noticed … [Read more...] about Distilled Water May Cause Lethargy in Bettas