By Oxley Wahler This article was written following a conversation with the manager of Aquarium Paradise in Lakewood, Washington. Alternatives to Betta Cups “Bettas are a lot like the pit bulls of the fish world,” the owner of the family-run aquatics store, Aquarium Paradise, says. Males in particular can be feisty, but they also get a bad reputation that often leads to lowered standards of care. And like pit bulls, bettas all have their own individual temperaments and persona

By Nikki Short A recent follow-up conversation with a general store manager at a “Big Box” pet retailer has left more questions than answers regarding the care and handling of a visibly ill African cichlid. While the fish’s death on February 28th was ultimately confirmed, the circumstances leading up to that outcome highlight troubling gaps in oversight, accountability, and animal welfare practices. When first observed, the cichlid was in severely compromised condition, exhib

By Lori Flint Betta fish are among the most widely transported ornamental fish in the global aquarium trade. While often described as hardy, scientific research shows that shipping conditions play a significant role in determining survival, physiological stress, and long-term health outcomes. Understanding how bettas are shipped is essential for improving welfare standards across the industry. How Betta Fish Are Packaged for Shipping Bettas are typically transported individua

By Lori Flint Betta fish are among the most popular freshwater pets sold in the United States, commonly found at major retailers like Petco and PetSmart. While they are often marketed as easy, low-maintenance pets, their journey to store shelves involves a complex global supply chain. Understanding where pet store bettas come from reveals a system driven by mass production, international trade, and efficiency. Betta Fish Origins: Thailand’s Role in Global Supply The majority

15 current and former pet store employees volunteered to answer questions about their experiences to help inform betta fish advocacy...

The animal welfare movement has made great strides in past decades, however we are still lagging behind in securing legal protections for...

In 2022, we saw a movement happening in the US pet industry where major pet retailers Petco, PetSmart, Pet Supplies Plus, Pet...

We are asking Aqueon Products to discontinue its five under one gallon betta fish aquarium kits: Betta Bowl Kit (0.5 gal or 0.25 gal per...

At the forefront of the United States pet industry are a handful of companies that bring in billions of dollars each year. While these...

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