My Sad Introduction to the Betta Myth I recall the first time I ever laid eyes on Betta splendens. Like most people, I was wandering about a local pet store and thought I’d pop through the fish section. I had not owned fish since the deaths of my tropical fish in a grossly overstocked 10g (40L) tank I owned as a kid – how I wish I had the internet to educate me then rather … [Read more...] about The Native Betta Habitat – Separating Fact from Fiction
betta fish
Can You Trust Your Local Fish Store Staff?
When buying our first betta, most of us ask our local fish store staff person for advice before anyone else. We believe they are the experts and rarely question the soundness of their advice. After all, if they work in a fish store they must know all about fish, right? Wrong. Sure there are amazing fish store staff out there, but they are a rare commodity. More often, the … [Read more...] about Can You Trust Your Local Fish Store Staff?
Betta Fish Hammock
If you stop to watch your betta for a few minutes you will see him surface, sticking his mouth above water, to suck in air. Though they have gills, they still rely on their labyrinth organ (similar to lungs) to gain oxygen from the atmosphere. This allows them to survive in poorly oxygenated waters where other fish species would suffocate and parish. Betta fish spend much of … [Read more...] about Betta Fish Hammock
Aquarium Chemistry, Including Redox for Bettas & Other Fish
Much of this information I will provide is condensed and more basic, but comes a from a couple of very in depth and researched articles on this subject (which readers can read if they desire a more in depth understanding). I will not address the organic chemistry aspect (the Nitrogen Cycle), which involves ammonia, nitrates, etc., rather the aspects of KH, GH, pH, mineral … [Read more...] about Aquarium Chemistry, Including Redox for Bettas & Other Fish
Understanding Dominant and Recessive Genes in Betta Fish
What Are Dominant and Recessive Genes? Betta breeders are most interested in understanding and manipulating genes for either color or tail type. Understanding the various genes and traits and how they are manipulated can be complicated. One of the first things you need to understand is the difference between dominant and recessive traits and how they affect what you will get … [Read more...] about Understanding Dominant and Recessive Genes in Betta Fish
A Warning About Preventative Medicine & Aquarium Fish
I want to bring back an old article that was temporarily removed when we updated our site earlier this year. We’ve been getting a ton of emails from readers treating their bettas for all sorts of diseases. I wanted to be sure to share this information as a warning to all our readers. It’s original title, Dangers of Preventative Medicine was first published on November, 14, … [Read more...] about A Warning About Preventative Medicine & Aquarium Fish
10 Tips for Medicating Betta Fish
If you keep Betta fish long enough, eventually you will have to deal with treating an illness. Bettas are not particularly resilient fish and are susceptible to a host of common diseases from bacterial infections to viruses and parasitic infestations. Minor problems like split fins or a lost scales can typically be healed on their own. When your Betta become very sick you may … [Read more...] about 10 Tips for Medicating Betta Fish
How Long Can A Betta Survive Without Food?
Summer is here and with it comes vacations spent with family and friends away from home. This time of year we get a lot of emails asking, “how long a betta fish can survive without food?” Many betta keepers are going out of town and don’t know what to do with their betta while away. Some fear leaving their fish without care for even a day or two, while others write in hoping … [Read more...] about How Long Can A Betta Survive Without Food?
Top 5 Must-have Betta Fish Supplies
Anybody who has kept fish, whether it be a large built in aquarium or a small betta bowl, knows there is a lot involved with creating an ecosystem that can sustain life. We have filters, lighting, food, nets, testing equipment, medication, sponges & scrapers, dechlorinators, and the list goes on. There are a lot of aquarium supplies that are helpful to keep on hand, but … [Read more...] about Top 5 Must-have Betta Fish Supplies
Are You Feeding Your Betta Enough?
We often talk about the dangers of overfeeding your betta fish here at Nippyfish.net but today I wanted to address the common problem of underfeeding your betta. With the proliferation of betta blogs and online web forums sharing betta care information with the masses, sometimes the important messages get lost. Stories of Swim Bladder Disorder and abdominal bloating are in no … [Read more...] about Are You Feeding Your Betta Enough?