I think the betas are so pretty, but why do people keep them in a tiny little cup? I think that is mean, or is it?
2006-10-26 06:25:18 · 24 answers · asked by safjbielabglv 3 in Pets ➔ Fish
They are only suppose to be in a cup at the store, then when you get them home, put them into a tank....
2006-10-26 06:27:00 · answer #1 · answered by PegBundyWannabe 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Because of their ability to breathe air and the fact that Bettas are pretty tough fish, they can be kept this way. It is not the best way but you can get away with it. Many people who want a fish but otherwise do not want the effort and expense of setting up a real fish tank buy Bettas and keep them in small bowls. Truthfully, Bettas do so much better in a filtered tank. Bettas really prefer higher temps than room temperature and do best around 80 degrees F in a heated tank. I personally, won't keep Bettas in small bowls anymore.
2006-10-26 06:39:02 · answer #2 · answered by Rags to Riches 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Whether they "need" larger containers or not is utterly irrelevant. Animals have further requirements than the bare essentials for survival. Yeah, an animal can survive in a tiny space so long as you feed it and everything, but that doesn't mean it's /happy/. As a pet owner you should strive to supply ANY animal with as much space as possible. And if you think they're "just fish", and don't count for much, well then you are not worthy to keep animals anyway.
Also, of course they move around! How do you feed it then? With a little spoon and an "open wide?" If your beta doesn't move, maybe that's because you've crammed it in to a tiny space and it's extremely distressed.
2006-10-26 06:38:09 · answer #3 · answered by Jason 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
They do it because:
a) They can. It's the equivent of putting a person in a closet.
b) Bettas tend to fight each other, and so you can just throw a bunch in a tank like store do with most fish.
Note that I keep my male betta in 5 gallon tanks, and they are quite active. My females live in a 30 gallon tank, and swim all over.
2006-10-26 06:42:41 · answer #4 · answered by Sabersquirrel 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Betas are Beautiful fish and they live in mud holes in Asia!!! Best is to get them Living Environment!!! The Plants Various ones can be used (Penis Plant is Nice) natural rocks for the bottom and cup and with the Vase that hold the plant in place!!! This what ever color you like for the Fish, Remember just one fish per vase these are also Called Siamese fighting Fish.
2006-10-26 07:05:29 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
Yes, just because uninformed people do it, doesn't make it right or even OK.
Bettas need at least 3-4 gallons of filtered and heated water. They are South East Asian tropical fish and need temps of 78-85 degrees. Just because they can EXIST in a puddle, doesn't mean they will live very long or spawn.
Bettas build their bubblenests at the surface and entice the females to come to them. Then they stay in that area to defend the eggs and protect the babies. That is why they don't move around much. In an aquarium with room to roam, they will, and are much happier.
BTW, betta is spelled with two t's and pronounced bet-tah, not bay-tah. Two t's make a short e. (ex. letter, better, wetter, setter)
Bay-tah is spelled beta and is the second letter of the Greek alphabet.
2006-10-26 06:38:15 · answer #6 · answered by 8 In the corner 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
i agree.. it is kinda mean.. but then again, i had a few betas some time back.. and i couldnt fit them all in a tank.. i only had 2 huge tanks.. so, some of them had to live in a bowl.. a bowl is okay.. but a cup is still a mean thing to do..
2006-10-26 06:39:25 · answer #7 · answered by I need a vacation! 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes it's cruel. And yes bettas do swim around, the reason they don't is because they're shoved into a little friggin bowl. Mine are all over the tank, top & bottom.
2006-10-26 06:40:37 · answer #8 · answered by tikitiki 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You know that is why I started buying them. I couldn't stand to see them in those little cups. I sort of went on a self induced "Free the bettas" campaign. I brought about 15 males and 22 females and studied about them to give them the best and healthiest lives possible. They are really a marvelous fish.
Free the bettas!
Good Luck and Take Care
2006-10-26 06:33:09 · answer #9 · answered by escapingmars 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋
It's not mean really because they don't need it but I think Betas could use a bigger space. And then beautify the bowl with some neat things to look at that will also make the fish happy!
:)
2006-10-26 06:28:09 · answer #10 · answered by kat 4 · 2⤊ 3⤋
They will not live as long if they are kept for a length of time in a small container.
2006-10-26 06:33:19 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋