How to Pick a Betta Fish

Co-authored by Craig Morton

Last Updated: December 1, 2020 Approved

Betta fish are beautiful aquarium fish, and they are also found in many homes. If you're thinking of getting a betta, there are many things to consider. Figure out whether you want to get a betta from a pet store, breeder, or online seller. Always inspect your fish first to make sure it's healthy. You also want to get a betta that was raised in a clean, healthy environment. This increases the likelihood your fish will also be healthy.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Selecting a Seller

1
Try a pet store. Bettas are generally easy to find in pet stores, as well as department stores that sell pets. In general, this is the quickest option to get a betta, as you can usually select and purchase a betta on the same day.
- If you decide to go the pet store route, it's best to go with a reputable pet store that specializes in selling these animals only. Department stores, or large chain pet stores, may keep bettas in small containers and in poor conditions, making the fish more prone to health problems.
- The best pet stores will keep their betta in clean tanks, not tiny jars. They will also have a variety of different types of fish available. Workers at reputable pet stores will be able to answer any questions you have about fish and fish care.
2
Look into breeders. Many people prefer to go to a breeder to purchase a betta. Breeders generally know how to breed the healthiest fish. Breeders can also be more ethical than pet stores, as they're dedicated to keeping fish in safe, healthy conditions and finding responsible pet owners. It may take slightly longer to obtain a betta from a breeder, however.
- See if you can find a betta breeder in your area. You can look online or keep your eyes open for ads in the local newspaper or at places like pet supply stores and vet clinics.
- Unfortunately, you may be unable to go through a breeder if you can't find one in your area. Not everyone has a betta breeder near to them.
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3
Consider buying a betta online. If you want a high-quality purebred betta, you can buy one online from a reputable breeder. Many breeders are willing to sell and ship their bettas online as long as you are willing to talk with them to verify you will be a responsible owner.
- However, you are more prone to scams when working online. Only buy from breeders who are willing to talk to you and answer any questions you have in a prompt, professional manner.
- Make sure to select an online breeder who has been breeding betta for a long time. The longer someone has been breeding, the more likely they are to breed quality fish.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Examining the Fish

1
Inspect the size of the fish to see how old it is. Since bettas can live anywhere from five to seven years, if you want to maximize your betta's time living with you, you should try to find a somewhat small one. Beware, as baby betta fish have different needs and will die if you treat them as an adult. ^{[1]
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2
Look at the colors. Color is an indication of health for bettas. When examining a betta, look for a fish with bright, vibrant coloring.^{[2]
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- Most bettas are brightly colored but may have some pale colors filling in gaps between stripes and spots. Certain breeds of betta, such as piebald and Cambodian bettas, are lighter in appearance, having a peach color.
- Horizontal stripes can be an indicator of ill health, but can also mean that the betta is just stressed. Avoid getting a betta if it has horizontal stripes. Baby bettas have juvenile stripes which look a lot like stress stripes. However, juvenile stripes are perfectly fine and do not indicate illness.
3
Examine the fins. Fins should be free of discoloration, disease, or visible wounds. Clamped fins may be a sign a betta is ill or the water condition is poor.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Craig Morton
Fish & Aquarium Specialist
Expert Interview. 21 July 2020.} Black, raggedy fins can be a sign of fin rot.^{[4]
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4
Check the gills. You want to choose a betta with healthy gills. Both gills should open and close without trouble. If a fish is gasping for air, and one or both set of gills is not opening and closing, this is a sign of ill health. Red marks around the gills can also be a sign of poor health.^{[5]
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5
Look at the body. You should quickly scan a betta's body before purchasing it to make sure it's in good health. Make sure the betta does not have any obvious signs of illness. A healthy betta will be free of the following:^{[6]
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- Missing fins
- Lumps or bumps
- Red streaks on the gills
- A sprinkled salt appearance
- White, fuzzy patches (do not confuse this with normal coloration patches some have)
- A distended belly
- Raised scales
6
Examine the eyes. You want to make sure your betta has healthy eyes as well. Ideally, a betta should have clear black eyes. Milky eyes, silver or completely white eyes, bulging eyes, or reddish circles around the eyes are all signs of poor health.^{[7]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Inspecting the Environment

1
Make sure the fish's jar is clean. Pet store and breeder Bettas are usually kept in a small jar away from other fish. This jar should be filled with fresh, clear water. The tank should also be free of debris from leftover food. This could be an indication a betta is not eating, which can be a sign of ill health. Note: once you take the betta home, you should put him/her into at least a 2.5 gallon or bigger tank with a heater and filter. Jars are not appropriate permanent enclosures. ^{[8]
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2
Take note of any strange odors. If you notice any strong unpleasant odors, this is a bad sign. A betta's tank should be relatively odor-free. If you notice strong smells, this may be a sign of poor health.^{[9]
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Expert Q&A

Question

How do you pick out a good betta fish?

Craig Morton
Aquarium Specialist, Aquarium Doctor Inc.
Craig Morton is the CEO of Aquarium Doctor Inc. based in Huntington Beach California and servicing Orange County, Los Angeles County, and the Inland Empire. With over 30 years of aquarium experience, Craig specializes in creating custom aquarium designs along with aquarium installation, service, and maintenance.

Craig Morton

Aquarium Specialist, Aquarium Doctor Inc.

Expert Answer

Inspect their eyes as closely you can. Their eyes should be clear, not cloudy. Make sure that their fins aren't tethered or damaged. If possible, feed the fish before taking it home. If it actively eats, it's a sign that it's a healthy, happy fish.
Question

My betta keeps flaring every few seconds. Why is this?

Eduard Gallardo

Community Answer

Your betta is just flaring at his reflection. It's also a good sign that he's healthy.
Question

Does the lifespan of a betta fish life depend on its environment?

Community Answer

Yes, it does. Sometimes betta fish live for up to 10 years, but usually when they are in captivity they only live five.

Warnings

While you can buy a sick fish in order to nurse it back to health, this can encourage the store to keep the bettas in poor conditions. Buying one may not be harmful, though.

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