By Conner Tighe The betta in a plastic cup at the pet store comes from a long line of fish that lived in the slow, warm waters of Southeast Asia. That history explains a lot about how bettas behave, what they eat, and what they need from the water we give them. It has also been misread so often that people now use it to defend the smallest containers on the shelf. Where wild bettas live Betta splendens is native to Southeast Asia. Its home range centers on central Thailand, i

Join the End Betta Cups Movement Betta fish displayed in small cups at major pet retailers face serious welfare concerns. People regularly document sick and even dead bettas in these displays. If this issue matters to you, please join us in speaking up for change. End Betta Cups Week: October 18-24, 2026 Post a photo, video, or message about betta cups using #EndBettaCups and urge major pet retailers to end betta cup displays. By speaking up together around a specific request

By Conner Tighe Betta fish are still commonly displayed for sale in small plastic cups, a practice that raises significant welfare concerns. Betta World For Bettas' End Betta Cups campaign is calling on Petco, PetSmart, Pet Supplies Plus, and Pet Supermarket to publish a plan by March 2027 to phase out betta cup displays across their stores. You don't have to be an animal welfare professional to get involved. Here are five simple ways you can support the campaign and help pus