By Conner Tighe I wasn't browsing. I knew exactly what I was looking for. Most people end up with a betta fish by accident — an impulse buy near the checkout, a carnival prize, a split-second decision made somewhere between the dog food and the cat toys. That wasn't me. I walked into PetSmart with one specific thing in mind: a dumbo betta. The variety with the oversized pectoral fins, the ones that fan out from either side of the body like small, improbable wings. I didn't h

By Oxley Wahler This article was written following a conversation with Amy, an aquatics specialist at The Pet Works in Olympia, Washington, and reflects key takeaways from that discussion. Overlooked ways betta cups are hurting fish It doesn’t take an expert in fish care to see that life in a small, plastic cup isn’t very comfortable. Betta cups don’t allow for good aeration or room to swim, and the water quickly becomes dirty. However, there are several downsides to betta cu

By Stacie Grannum, DVM Prepare…Prepare…Prepare… I can't emphasize this enough: preparation is key! Read extensively about Betta fish, including their natural history and natural habitat. It's not as simple as buying a fishbowl and filling it with tap water; all fish deserve better than that. Bettas are tropical fish that thrive in warmer waters and can breathe air from the surface. Remember, a fish's health is directly related to the quality of its water, so maintaining exce

by Conner Tighe For a species like Betta splendens — a territorial fish wired to respond to environmental cues — glass surfing is often a reaction to something in the tank or the surrounding environment. Sometimes it’s a reflection that looks like a rival. Sometimes it’s unstable water conditions. Sometimes it’s a lack of cover or environmental security. And sometimes it’s chronic stress manifesting as restless movement. The key point is this: glass surfing is communication.

By Conner Tighe Bettas are one of the most popular starter fish for a reason — they’re colorful, charismatic, and often sold as “easy pets” that can thrive in almost any setup. But that reputation is exactly what gets so many new owners into trouble. Despite their hardy appearance, bettas have specific needs, and skipping even a few of them can lead to stress, illness, or a drastically shortened lifespan. The good news? Most common betta care mistakes are completely avoidabl

By Conner Tighe Wild bettas are vastly different from the brightly colored, long-finned domesticated Betta splendens most aquarists are familiar with. In their natural habitats across Southeast Asia, these fascinating fish thrive in slow-moving streams, peat swamps, and forest pools shaded by dense vegetation and enriched with leaf litter. These environments are far removed from the sterile look of many standard aquariums, and recreating them at home offers far more than just

By Conner Tighe They may be small, but halfmoon bettas have a way of stealing the spotlight. With tails that fan out a full 180 degrees like a living work of art, these fish are often the jewel of a home aquarium. But while their dramatic fins and vivid colors make them irresistible to aquarists, they also come with unique care needs that can’t be ignored. Keeping a halfmoon betta happy and healthy takes more than just placing it in a bowl of water. From tank setup to diet to

Photo credit: helovi / iStock By Conner Tighe Betta fish are among the most popular and visually stunning freshwater pets, renowned for their vibrant colors and flowing fins. However, beyond their beauty, bettas are intelligent and curious creatures that thrive in well-maintained and enriching environments. A straightforward addition to a betta tank that can make a big difference in both aesthetics and care is the marimo moss ball. Despite their name, these velvety green sph

By Conner Tighe Betta Fish Care The betta fish, or Siamese Fighting Fish, is known as one of the most common pets in aquariums. The...

Setting up an appropriate Betta fish aquarium is critical because your Betta is confined to the world and the conditions you provide for...

Many Betta fish owners would be disappointed to learn that their beloved Betta is merely surviving -- and sometimes suffering -- in its...