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Originally posted by KLPDaisy
That's what I heard too- that you can't keep more than 1 betta in the same tank because they'll fight.
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Bettas are extremely territorial. Males can not be kept together, or with any fish that looks similar to them in finnage (such as fancy guppies). They will fight each other and can tear each other apart. Bettas will attack any fish that has similar fins that look like bettas. Pet stores are right about this, and most nationwide chains sell males- long fins are how you tell (99% of the time). However, the cups they are kept in must have holes in them, as they are air breathers. And never, ever buy a "betta in a vase". Bettas need access to the surface, clean water, and they do NOT eat plant roots. It will be a last resort when they are starving to death. Unfortunately, they can live a fwe months this way.
Females are also very territorial, but they can be kept together in groups of 3 or more. They will fight, but they will establish a pecking order that stays pretty constant. However, both males and females are perfectly fine staying in a tank by themselves, or in a community tank with other fish (just make sure they aren't small enough for the betta to eat! )
If you are looking for a tank, Walmart sells Minibow tanks in a one gallon size. One gallon is really the smallest you can do, but it works great for a dorm room. The tank comes with a hood, light, and a cute base. It comes in a few colors (I have two teal ones)- teal, red, blue, and purple I think. You could probably decorate the colored base that comes with it. It also comes with a filter. The best part is, the whole set up is $14 at Walmart! Right now, that is the only store that carries them, though in 6 months all pet stores will be able to stock them. Just don't get one of those teeny, tiny tanks that are sold as "betta tanks". A gallon size is really the minimum.
But yes, chain pet stores can be terrible. The misinformation they provide is an atrocity. I walked out of a Petco the other day when an employee was telling a young girl that her two male bettas would love living in one 5 gallon tank together. Instead, her bettas would likely fight until one of them was destroyed and killed by a disease.
As far as getting the fish itself- try and go to a local fish store that is afmily owned. Usually, the bettas are healthier. Regardless, look for bettas that are flaring in their cup (ugh) and seem lively. Avoid dirty water, avoid bettas that seem listless and just sit at the bottom of the cup. I good thing to look for is a betta who has bubbles all around the edge of their cup. Make sure their fins seem to be in one piece and don't have holes or fraying edges (a sign of fin rot). When you get him home, bettas should be fed pellets, that can be found in the betta section. They are carnivores, so no flakes for them!