Lfs Betta Conditions

[Christi_22]

Don't know if I can mention names here, but my LFS has just taken a delivery of some new Betta's. (I was visiting with my partner to get a new bulb) the first one I noticed, I thought was dead, he was trying to make himself as small as possible in a corner of the tank whilst surrounded by several fish who were not happy with his presence. He then flared and chased them away, only to be back in his corner. during my time there this happened several times. No plants, no hideaway spot, no cover, just the Betta and about 15 fairly aggressive looking fish (I don't even know what they were, but there were always at least 2 holding the Betta at bay). Move to another tank, at least 20 Gold Gourami and one Betta, another tank, that looked like several Dwarf Puffer fish and one Betta. etc etc

I spoke to one of the assistants stating that one of his Bettas looked really stressed, (well they all did really) and he replied that they always get picked on when they first arrive. He proceeded to take me on a tour of all the tanks with Bettas. (pretty much all of them in totally wrong environment). This is an established fish shop. which I do not use for livestock, but it makes me sad!!

Don't know what I can do, but wanted to offload

 

[Truck]

dont go back?

 

[Netty]

As Truck said...don't go back even though it's tempting to rescue them. The trouble is as soon as people buy them they get the next lot in, so it's a vicious circle. I was very tempted to rescue one this weekend......the poor thing was being hounded and his fins looked like they'd been through a paper shredder. We told the woman who netted it and said she would move it and gave us the age old response of "it's been fine up until now"

If you feel very strongly then send a letter to their head office.....you may not get a response but at least you will have tried.

 

[Christi_22]

I know you are right, boycott the shop, I don't think they have a head office, I think its just them. I'm just p....d of that they have such little regard

 

[newfishy]

there are honestly people who just dont care. and if they can make some money off something thats what they will do.

 

[Netty]

It is frustrating and that's why we don't buy from shops that keep them like this. Our nearest lfs is a family run one and they keep their Bettas in about 2gal each with no other fish. Also Modaz from here has an aquatic shop with a section for Bettas in their own separate tanks. So it can be done.