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 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 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