Do you think that extended time in poor conditions at a pet store will affect the temperment of a beta?

Question

Okay, I understand that all fish have different temperments, but I've noticed that the 2 fish that I bought from the petstore that were in VERY nasty water are alot less lively then my 2 healthy ones. I have had these fish for about a week and a half and I'm fairly certain that they are healthy again. Do you think that it could be a result of being kept in the nasty water or did I just get the oddballs of the bunch?

It's kinda a double edged sword. I live in a small college town and the only stores that we have in a 20 mile radius are walmart and petco. I'd rather take the fish home and give them a nice tank that they can be happy in and nurse them back to health. It's usually the ones that are dull colored or have little tails that are left like this. I buy them cuz I can see their inner beauty.... if that doesn't sound too cheesy. I know that the healty ones will get bought but this sick ones will get flushed!

Answer 1

I disagree with fear.

Some of the best bettas ever have started out in horrible cup water. However when purchasing the betta that has caught your eye you can say something to the fish store about the quality they are keeping their fish in. Every time you go in say something. Pretty soon you should see a difference hopefully.

Now on to your question.. No. Each betta has a different personality. Some take longer then others to acclimate to their new surroundings. Some bettas are lazy. Some are a spaz. I have one of each.

I commend you for buying them and giving them a better life then they probably would have had.

Answer 2

what kind of tank do you have them in? is it heated and filtered? besides the fact that that is the best way to keep them in, it could have a lot to do with it. they ones in nasty water could be adjusting to the cleaner water, and the calmer ones had failry clean water to begin with so they don't care that much. kind like the dirty ones are going "woooohooo! clean water!" and the cleaner ones are just like "meh... it's cool."

and I fully agree with your buying the sick ones, not buying them is not going to stop the store from keeping them like that because unless you go up to them every time you think about buying on and tell them you didn't because they keep them in nasty conditions, they won't even have the slightest clue you thought aobut buying them at all. they're not goign to change, you can't make them, but you can save a sick fish you see there. :)

here's an idea when you can handle getting more or one pass on (hoep that doens't happen!), either put the passed on one in a cup in came in and go to the store saying it died right after you put him in his tank and demand a new one, and ask for the old body back for proper burial. or you can get a new one that will surley die any minute, when it does die take it back and get another, ask for the body back. the next day take it back again, get another. keep doing it as many times as you'd like, you can even freeze it for use later. then you're saving more poor babies and not supporting the store :) plus in death the bettas are helping other bettas.

Answer 3

OIt will certainly impact the fishes health for the rest of it's life. You are seeing the results of poor fish keeping on the part of a shop.

I agree in large part with Fear. I don't ANY fish from a shop that has a tank or a betta in that kind of condition.

MM

Answer 4

lol
if you could tell if was VERY nasty water""
then why would ytou even buuy them from there?
i dont get it?
its liek going to buy a brand new car
and getting the one with a flat tire and its all scratched up doesnt make sense
buy what you pay for
and yes they will have different temperments
the water coudl reflect on how they treat the fish also
not only how they live
poor water= poor fish

Answer 5

yes temp changes and conditions have everything to do with any fish or animals health and actions

Answer 6

they will eventually get better. they are overwhelmed by their new, better conditions. its quite a shock to a small fish.

give them time.