When I had my first Betta fish at the age of 12, it was a blue fish that I named "Sophie", which was short for "Sapphire". I don't remember much about caring for her except feeding her a couple of times a day, and changing out her water once a week. Surprisingly, she lived for about 2 years before passing away.
It wasn't until recently, though, that I found out there is actually much more to caring for a Betta fish than I'd thought.
People tend to think of Betta fish as "starter" pets, especially for young kids, and many also have the misconception that Bettas can be kept in unheated, unfiltered bowls or vases because they're hardy fish and can live in tough conditions. And while it is true that Betta fish can survive in small cups or unfiltered bowls, they're definitely not the ideal for these little guys.
While Betta fish are not cuddly like dogs or cats, they are much more than just decoration, and some of them even have personalities. Letting them live in a cup is like letting a human being live in a jail cell. Sure, they can survive, but it doesn't mean they'll enjoy the experience. Some recommend that if you have a Betta fish, you should have a five gallon tank. But even without a 5 gallon tank, a 3 gallon tank that has a filter and heater is still better than a smaller tank that doesn't have either.
There are lots of little things when it comes to caring for a fish like this. The number of times you should feed them, the amount of water you should put in their aquarium, and which type of food is the best kind to give them. You can also tell by their behavior and appearance whether they are stressed or sick.
Betta fish are beautiful, interesting little companions, and deserve the best care you can give them.
