Betta Housing at the Fish Store

[DigitalGaia]

Everytime I go to the fish store I see the Betta's in tiny little boxes attached to the sides of tanks. these boxes are so small the poor fish can't swim or even turn around. That seems a horribly, horribly cruel existance for these fish, but the lady at the store said they don't mind.

I find that utterly impossible to believe. They are the Veal of fish hood. I cannot believe any critter doesn't mind being trapped in a box they cannot move around in.

What's the story here? Is that cruel or not? Do I need to call animal control?

dg

 

[bobandfiona]

Don't worry - I know alot of people here feel the same way. I can't understand why Bettas are always put in such small areas. I put mine in a 26 gallon and he has loved it for the past 8 months. I moved him 3 days ago to a 6 gallon to add other fish to my big tank that he would not have liked, and he seems like even 6 gallons is too small!

How do they know the bettas "don't mind?" If I were a fish, I'd want alot of room and to feel cozy yet free to swim. I lived in a 350 sq. ft apartment in college - its not fun to be cooped up.

 

[TheMightyQueenPixie]

If you ever saw how they were shipped you would have a stroke...The tiny cups and cubes they are housed in are VERY temporary...Most Bettas are out the door within a week...I know places that go through 200 a week. Honestly as long as they get daily water changes they could survive, HOWEVER there muscles will weaken from lack of exercise...

 

[Raskolnikov]

I see Pacu and Pangasius Catfish in 10g tanks at pet stores. If you want to get technical, these fish are more cramped than the bettas in the little 1/2 pint cups.

However, these setups are temporary housing units that hold the fishes until they are sold. These fishes aren't in these stores to stay there and live to old age.

The only problem I have with bettas in little unfiltered cups/bowls is if the owner houses them in one after purchase.

 

[echoofformless]

One of my local Petsmarts has a beautiful little betta row setup, where each little guy has a decent pint or so of water to live in that is connected to the main recirculation system. They get a constant flow of filtered, sterilized water and enough room to at least be able to swim in a comfortable circle once in a while.

They look so much happier than any other bettas in stores, and probably sell a lot better too.

I don't see why more big stores aren't setting up similar systems, as not only is the moral issue obvious but the mere fact that the bettas are healthier means they would lose less stock to sickness or death, and even more importantly, people will be far more attracted to a colorful, active betta with beautiful erect fins.

It's just a three way win for everyone - betta lives happier, store makes/saves more money, customers get healthier fish.