They brumate, not quite hibernate.
Been years since I've had any, but bettas are underappreciated imo, partly because they're so common, considered to be a beginner fish, as well as the way many people keep them. Besides their curiosity and wet pet qualities, they can be entertaining in a community tank. I've had bettas in many a SA or discus tank, while you're doing a water change or rearranging a tank and everyone else is keeping out of the way, the betta would be right there where I was working, as though curious to see what I was doing and getting a close-up view.
I say it all the time-- there's no one size fits all formula for water changes and people shouldn't insist on their particular formula as a standard. What you need is affected by the ecology of each tank-- stock levels, type and size of fish, what and how much you feed, local water quality, plants, substrate, filters, redox and water chemistry, etc. You can set things up to require a lot of water changes, not so many, or relatively few.
Thank you. Always respect your input and hold your opinions in high regard so appreciate the compliment.
It's funny but I've been away on the island fuerteventura for the last couple of weeks. When ever I think of my fish and their well being in my absence, my betta keeps popping up in my mind first. Must be testament to how much pluck and personality these fish have.
I have a story about that.
