Oh, Psycho Fish I Loved Is Gone! :(

[GuppyGoddess]

Ugh, not, "gone," a.k.a. dead gone, but he's no longer at the LFS. . .On saturday, I found the most hilarious Betta. He was black and white (not sure of variety) and he was flaring up a storm. The male betta next to him was just hanging out there while this Pycho fish literally went beserk flipping his tale around and spreading his gills wide at this other fish. I take it that is a sign of a healthy Betta? Considering how many Bettas are housed next to each other and I've never seen a single one freak like that, I took this as a sign that he may be a great Betta.

Unfortunely, because I was nursing my other fish, it wasn't a good time to buy and also I didn't want to buy on impulse. I have been thinking about this fish every since and went back to the store to hunt for him as I was also looking at 5-gallon tank options. No such luck. There was another that looked just like him, but he wasn't flaring, so either that was the fish and he tired himself out into becoming a zombie betta like all the ones in the cups or someone bought him.

When I look at Bettas now, I hold up the cups to see if either fish react to one another. Is this a good way to judge if the fish has character and strength?

 

[ellena]

I think they can get used to the fish they're next to, so switching them around a bit can provoke flaring. It's not a definitive way to judge a fish, but I'd prefer a feisty flarer over a 'zombie' betta any day. Maybe go for the one that looks like him and he should perk up in a nice tank?

 

[kelly528]

Aww... too bad! I find that flaring, like bubblenesting, doesn't always indicate a healthy betta... after a while the bettas also get used to each other and plus, some bettas are just more peacable than their brothers. Its definitely a good sign if they watch you from the cup, look at your finger or take some notice of anything new outside their cup.

 

[GuppyGoddess]

Aww... too bad! I find that flaring, like bubblenesting, doesn't always indicate a healthy betta... after a while the bettas also get used to each other and plus, some bettas are just more peacable than their brothers. Its definitely a good sign if they watch you from the cup, look at your finger or take some notice of anything new outside their cup.

Yep, eye contact with fish is a biggy for me too. Funny thing - my son and I were just standing in front of one of our tanks and the betta there swam up and looked at me, then turned his body slightly and looked at my son, and then moved and looked back at me! So adorable. I just want to pet him so much. lol

I think they can get used to the fish they're next to, so switching them around a bit can provoke flaring. It's not a definitive way to judge a fish, but I'd prefer a feisty flarer over a 'zombie' betta any day. Maybe go for the one that looks like him and he should perk up in a nice tank?

Fiesty is the style I like too! I may go back and check on that one in a few days and see if he's still there.

 

[kelly528]

Yep, eye contact with fish is a biggy for me too. Funny thing - my son and I were just standing in front of one of our tanks and the betta there swam up and looked at me, then turned his body slightly and looked at my son, and then moved and looked back at me! So adorable. I just want to pet him so much. lol

Lol when my guy lived in a bowl on a shelf above my desk he would peer down at me from the higher ground as I studied. Do you know how hard it is to concentrate when you're being watched by a fish?!

 

[Rezatii]

Yeah, an inquisitive fish is always good, my little guy watches me as I put on my make up everyday xD

-Rezz

 

[lilacamy931]

I just look for personality in general, whetehr they come up to me or show abit of spice and of course look healthy both on the body and fins

 

[GuppyGoddess]

Yeah, an inquisitive fish is always good, my little guy watches me as I put on my make up everyday xD

-Rezz

Mine watches me too. . .I moved him to my bathroom and we hang out while I get ready in the morning! (I dry my hair in the other room so the noise doesnt bother him!) lol

 

[coldcazzie]

I agree on some kind of personality, whether that be feisty, grumpy or just quietly interested. But that doesn't just go for bettas - I think all fish should be like that. That's one reason why I'm getting hoplos - they are ugly as sin, but they have personality to boot!

Can't wait for them to arrive tomorrow evening

Can't wait to be allowed a betta tank as well (hubby says no at the moment )

 

[Rezatii]

Yep, My guys on my vanity because I love how interested he is when I'm putting my face on XD Sometimes I move my laptop and sit by him so he can watch as I play games or do my class work or y'know, talk about bettas XD

-Rezz

 

[GuppyGoddess]

Can't wait to be allowed a betta tank as well (hubby says no at the moment )

My husband hasn't actually said no, but from his behavior I can tell he's had enough! I know I probably can get one more betta because I have everything needed except the fish and the heater, but I cannot imagine him being okay with me shelling out another $50-100 for a bigger set up. lol

 

[stickylove]

Mr Betta (Mr Blue) is actually an unsociable git.... he is in a community tank but prefers to keep himself to himself... he hardly ever flares, the only time he has done is when i feed them bloodworms.

other than that he seems quite content swimming around and sitting on the plants occasionally....completelty ignoring the other fish I have in there.

The only time he is interested in me is when i do the water change...he is prob trying to help lol

 

[coldcazzie]

Can't wait to be allowed a betta tank as well (hubby says no at the moment )

My husband hasn't actually said no, but from his behavior I can tell he's had enough! I know I probably can get one more betta because I have everything needed except the fish and the heater, but I cannot imagine him being okay with me shelling out another $50-100 for a bigger set up. lol

His main issue is that we are in a tiny terrace, and I already have a 4 footer in the only free alcove, and my quarantine tank on the kitchen worktop...really we have no places to put another tank. And with another baby on the way its only going to get more cramped lol. I can certainly understand where he's coming from, but even so...if it were just me I'd find a way lol.

My friend has an empty 3-4 foot tank in her garden which I REALLY want, but when I mentioned it he gave me that look that said "you'd better be kidding, else I might have to divorce you" so I shut up lol

I might be able to get away with a small tank for a single male betta though, esp if I buy one in colours that he likes and let him name it! Maybe. After Christmas. Watch this space. LOL