Fish Rescue Spotlight: Bay Area Betta Project

This month, we’re featuring Bay Area Betta Project, a betta fish rescue based in San Jose, California.

1. Tell us about your rescue

From the moment I began my fishkeeping hobby, I was horrified by all the misinformation, abuse, and neglect I saw by owners and pet stores. I began rescuing guppies, goldfish, cories, and every fish I could get surrendered to me. When I got my first bettas, I fell in love with their unique colors and personalities, and found them to be one of the most abused fish in the hobby. I started the Bay Area Betta Project to help all the betta fish I possibly could near me, while also working nationally to help end the misinformation surrounding their care today. 

2. What types of fish do you usually take in?

I primarily focus on bettas currently as I find them to be the most neglected species across pet stores in the U.S., but I have rescued lots of other freshwater fish in the past and will always be willing to help any fish that needs rescuing.

3. Where do the fish you rescue typically come from?

Every rescue so far has been a pet store surrender. In chain pet stores, the high amounts of ammonia, stressful environments, and lack of heating leads to an astounding amount of swim bladder issues, organ failure, fin rot, and so many more problems, so there are almost always fish in immediate need of rescuing.

4. What are some of the biggest challenges your rescue faces?

I am a high school student, so I am incredibly limited in capacity. In order to give each rescue the time and care it needs, and only having a single room to operate in, I am limited to only 3-4 fish at a time. Another challenge is surrenders, as pet stores are often reluctant and too ignorant to admit their bettas are ill, which makes the process of arguing with them to get fish surrendered very difficult. 

5. Is there a rescue story that has stayed with you?

Dole’s story will forever haunt me. After being rescued, he had stayed with me for nearly a month and was almost fully healed. However, he had suffered with permanent bloating and digestive damage, which led to his unexpected death. This will always serve as a reminder that even though the cups they are kept in are too often excused as temporary, the damage is forever.

6. How can people support your work?

ADOPTIONS! For every fish adopted out, I have the capacity for one more, which leads to more betta fish rescued. Support on my instagram, BayAreaBettaProject, also helps to get the word out about available fish and ending misinformation on their care!