Introduction

I’m a huge advocate for keeping pets and fish. In fact, if you’ve read my article about the best lizards for beginners, then you know that I’m also a big fan of reptiles. But pets aren’t just limited to mammals and reptiles; there are plenty of fish out there that make great companions too! That said, betta fish are one type of pet I don’t recommend buying unless you’re prepared for what it takes to care for them properly. Here’s why:

They have longer lifespans than you think.

Betta fish live for an average of three to five years, which is a pretty long time for a small fish. This can be as long as twenty years if they’re in the right habitat and cared for properly.

So, don’t think of them as short-lived pets; they actually have quite a lifespan!

They’re not just sitting in their bowl, waiting for you to buy them.

Betta fish have a lot of needs, and it’s important to know what you’re getting into before purchasing one. They need a lot of space, a lot of water, and a lot of care. They also need food—and attention! Betta fish love human interaction and will be happy to show you just how much they appreciate that if you give them an opportunity to do so.

They need a ride home in a baggie.

When transporting your betta fish home, use a baggie with the top cut open. This will allow for air circulation, which is important for their survival. You can buy a baggie from the pet store, or use a ziplock bag. Just make sure you don’t seal it all the way shut so that there’s enough room for water to evaporate before sealing it completely closed!

A female betta still needs a large tank.

Female betta fish are larger than male bettas. The female also has a more aggressive nature and needs a bigger tank because of this.

You can find them at pet stores, but buying them online is worse.

You can find them at pet stores, but buying them online is worse.

In addition to being sold in pet stores, betta fish are also sold online. This might seem like an easier option because you can buy your new fish from the comfort of your own home, but it’s actually probably not a great idea. When you buy bettas online, there’s no guarantee that the store sending them will be legitimate or that they care about their health as much as a reputable store would.

Also take note that not all pet stores are created equal—some will sell unhealthy fish without caring about their welfare and giving them proper care instructions—but others have higher standards and will sell healthy specimens with good information on how to care for them properly after purchase. The best bet may be finding an actual store near where you live rather than purchasing from an unknown source online!

Betta fish are important companions that require thought before bringing home.

Before you think about buying a betta fish, there are several things to consider. Betta fish are important companions that require thought before bringing home.

First and foremost, a betta tank should be large enough for the fish to swim around in comfortably. As a rule of thumb, one gallon of water per inch of length is recommended for an adult male. A well-stocked aquarium will also include other essentials like heating devices (with thermometers), filters (with strainers), lights (with timers), water conditioner and cleaning tools such as nets or siphons for your tank cleaning needs.

Conclusion

Remember, betta fish are not something to be taken lightly. They have a lot of personality and needs that many people don’t know about. If you want to get one of these beautiful creatures, make sure to do your research first!