Why do they put bettas in those tiny bowls?

Question

Why do they sell them in teeny tiny bowls, and then sell tiny bowls for you to keep them in? I feel so bad for bettas every time I see them in their tiny little jail cells at the pet stores. They look so bored and I've seen alot of them with barely enough room to turn around. I could *maybe* understand the pet stores doing it to save space (that still doesnt make it right), but then they sell those little bowls to keep them in.. There must be a reason for it so why does everyone do it?

Answer 1

Good question. I feel sorry for them too. I have to admit, that sometimes I'm drawn to the "cuteness" of the little bowls they sell for bettas, but then I think about the betta spending his life in a tiny living space just because i thought it was cute. I cant do that to another living thing. I guess alot of people think it doesnt matter because its "just a fish", but bettas are smart and need room to thrive. Every time I go over to my bettas tank he perks up and seems to respond to it. I bought a bowl for him originally, but then I realized how boring that must be so I quickly switched him to a 5 gallon. He seems to be happy, swimming around in his plants. The only thing a 'betta bowl" is good for, is a fake fish, or a decoration, but no real fish should ever be put in one of those.

Answer 2

You can NOT put another betta in the bowl, even if it is a female, this is dooming them both to certain death. In regards to anything else, you honestly can't. The general rule of thumb for stocking aquariums is "an inch of fish per gallon" and most bettas are two inches, so you're already over stocked with a one gallon bowl. You should also suggest to his friend that it's not a wise thing he is doing. Not to mention even though bettas *can* survive without a heater, anything else you would put in there would most likely need a heater. Tropical fish are TROPICAL, remember that. Also in regards to keeping your betta "company" bettas ARE solitary creatures as well all know they can't even stand their own kind, hell even mating is a dangerous and potentially life threatening process, as a result bettas by nature are NOT fish friendly fish. Sure it depends on the individual betta and personalities can differ, but more than likely he has no need for a companion. But I'm sure he would love a bigger home.

Answer 3

ok a very old issue, but i feel that you must know both sides before you can say anything. Most people only see one side of it.

Dont forget that most people who say that bettas should have 10 gallons, only have about 1 to 10 bettas. When you are a breeder or have alot of fishes like a petstore, it isnt economical to house a betta in a 10 gallon.

For example, when i use to breed bettas full time yearsago, i had around 500-600 bettas at one time, It isnt practial to have 600 10 gallons.

Your right it doesnt make it right in anyway, but what does... what says that 10 gallon is enough,. maybe it should be 55 gallons per fish.

Point being that tank size isnt all that important, it is about care.


You cant say that im a bad fishkeeper because i keep my bettas in bowls. breeders alike would tell you the same thing i have told you.

Again i cant tell you what is right or wrong it is fully up to you to decide, but it is important that you understand both sides.

You can see more info about betta bowls on my betta site.

http://bcaquatics.com/bettahousing.aspx

Answer 4

It is a common belief that bettas don't need as much room as other fish because they lived in puddles in their native land. Yes, they did live in rice paddies. Yes, they do have a labyrinth (special organ allowing them to breathe water from the surface). But it's not just an oxygen issue. Bettas DO need space to swim and exercise (otherwise they get indigestion and constipation). I'm not sure about the saving space thing, you are probably right, but also I think a lot of people are very ignorant about that topic. I'm so glad you brought it up, I'm starring this question!

Answer 5

Bettas do not get their "air" from the surrounding water. They actually breath the air at the surface of their tanks. That is why they do not need air filters and other tank accompaniments. Also, they live primarily in rice patties or in shallow slow moving streams and lakes. That is why most people and pet stores keep them in small bowls. Also, males do not get along with other males, so the pet stores have to put them in to their own individual tanks. The pet stores sell the small tanks to people buying bettas because people do not seem to realize that they need more space. Bettas, however, should not be put in to small tanks because they need a higher temperature to live in. Bettas usually like the water temp around 80 degrees. Smaller tanks cool down to room temp faster. Larger tanks keep their water temps up and also they do not become as dirty as quickly. Also, the Betta in the vase with the water lily on top is harmful to the Betta. Firstly, Bettas do not get enough air because there is not enough surface area at the top of the tank to let the proper amount of air flow through. Also Bettas are carnivores, usually feeding on mosquito larvae and blood worms, they cannot live of a water lily alone. Also there is the size of the tank to be considered, the smaller the vase, the cooler the water temp, and thus resulting in a lethargic and unhappy fishy!

Answer 6

I personally think that thes bowls should be forbidden

Unfortunately even a storemanager will tell you they will do fine in a bowl, because they will sell another beta in a year to the same person anyway.

for me a minimum requirement is a 2.5 gallon tank with filter and heater

I saw it on our own betta, when we changed him to the 5 gallon tank, suddenly he startet to swim around and show off his beautiful fins he has, he also loves to rest on the live plants we have in there

in the pet stores i can understand it, they actually get shipped to them in these small cups

The only thing we can do is to try to help people understand that it's not healthy in any way, even if they breathe air from the surface


EB

Answer 7

because it's easier to show off what the betta looks like without having it swim all over a big tank - and it saves room since really you can't put bettas together and most fish stores keep all (or a lot) of one type of fish in one tank.

also, bettas don't need as much room as other fish to SURVIVE, so they won't die if they're in a small bowl but it's not as fun for them

Answer 8

I think they do it to show them off. Personally my single male Betta has been in a 10 gallon tank for about 5 years now and is doing great. But, yeah, that's probably the reason.

Answer 9

i personally think its inhumane i had a betta and i used a cage about 3 times as big as the pet stores do and i would but like a fake vern thing or somthing

Answer 10

Actually, Betas like small spaces. In the wild, Betas will confine themselves to small enclosed spaces under rocks and fallen trees and stuff in the water.