Wikipedia's Article: 10 Gallon Minimum?!?

[Bloo]

Forgive me if I'm blind, but I can's see anything about 10 gallons

Nonetheless, to keep an individual B. splendens, a minimum tank size of 8 litres (2 US gallons) is recommended, if it will be kept in a warm room.

Ahhh reading the history page of the article, it becomes clear.

 

[CFC]

Don't forget that in some European countries (Germany, Finland and Italy spring to mind) the smallest tank you can legally buy and keep fish in is a 10 gallon tank so in those countries keeping a betta in anything smaller would essentially be a criminal offence and open to prosecution.

 

[Rediahs]

Don't forget that in some European countries (Germany, Finland and Italy spring to mind) the smallest tank you can legally buy and keep fish in is a 10 gallon tank so in those countries keeping a betta in anything smaller would essentially be a criminal offence and open to prosecution.

Really? That's.. pretty weird.

 

[RandomWiktor]

Not really... other countries care about fish welfare more than we do, and really with the exception of bettas, there isn't anything you SHOULD keep in less than 10g, as most other small tropicals are social species who prefer companionship of their kind. The only reason we justify keeping bettas in small tanks is that they can survive and thrive there with enough water changes; it doesn't mean it is getting them sufficient exersize and behavioral enrichment. Honestly, I think 2.5g ought to be the minimum; they're a two and a half inch fish, after all.
Eh. I'd rather see things on the big end than the small end; I say kudos to european countries that don't sell less than 10g; do you have any idea how many fish that has probably saved from the inevitable torment and slow death of bowls? Because most pet stores I go to in the US seem to think a half gallon bowl is just dandy for everything from goldfish to guppies.

 

[Rediahs]

I totally agree, but we -are- talking about the "minimum", not "This is what you should do to keep your fish in optimum health". Obviously if you put a fish in a 10 gallon tank, with no other changed factors, he is going to be healthier than a fish in a 1 gallon tank. You could even go bigger - I'm sure any fish would love 100 gallons all to themselves... It doesn't mean anybody DOES that... that's a massive amount for one betta. 10 gallons is reasonable if you care about your betta and don't have too many or aren't crammed for space... but we can't reasonably expect everyone to keep their bettas in 10 gallon tanks... you hear me?

 

[betta_grl]

My Nemo is in a 1.5-2gal tank and he is very happy