Why are Bettas SO overated?

[probassfisher010]

I recently set up a little 5 gallon ecplise tank (which I hope to have planted) added shrimp, and added one beautiful male betta. My question is, why do people overlook bettas and seem to "nothing" them. This beta I have is more personable then any other fish, constantly flaring its gills at me when I get near, eats from my hands, does not get spooked even when I bump my desk which is where his tank is. I can even place my hand completely in the tank and he doesn't give the slightest care. Not to mention many, if not most, betas when kept in a heated filtered tank and fed well, have beautiful flowing fins with beautiful colors.

I guess because they are everywhere, or maybe because they don't get along well with other fish, be it being fin nipped, or actually atacking the other fish, they would not be liked?

I have seen some beautiful betta planted tanks that I would much rather look at then a huge 300g+ overstocked tank that has fish bumping into each other, a bare bottom, and no driftwood, which seems to be very popular these days.

I think every office desk should have a small 5-10g Betta planted tank some where in it, completely relaxing, hell would probably turn our economy around if every one working in an office was a bit more relaxed haha

I personally feel that this fish diserves more then the "starter" fish that lives 2 months in a glass bowl.


-Jesse

Of course, pictures of him

 

[aclockworkorange]

Do you mean under rated?

 

[probassfisher010]

Yeah, I guess I do, I guess I meant over looked....and under appraciated haha, thanks

 

[Ambervikings91]

under rated lol, over rated would mean eveyrbody loves the betta but you don't think that its a good fish

sounds like you meant under rated

 

[probassfisher010]

Yeah, I do, sadly can't edit it, oh well, you get the point haha.

 

[aclockworkorange]

You can report the post and ask a mod to change it.

Have you seen Aquamojo's new pictures of betta? You might have to add him on facebook.

 

[probassfisher010]

I know that there are some beautiful bettas out there and dedicated betta keepers out there, but I just feel that they are constantly looked over, and thought of as boring and unappealing. I find huge overstocked cramped tanks unappealing, but those seem popular.

 

[Fat Homer]

Going along the lines of what you said in your original post...

I would rather look at any tank that is planted > a tank that is bare-bottom / no decor and just fish...

With that being said, nice looking betta you got there...

 

[probassfisher010]

Yeah very true, a 500 gallon planted biotope with a proper stock, very well designed and organized....a betta tank would probably not be as nice as this. But I'm just talking about the numerous tanks that do not show the natural habitat of a fish and are just "cram big fish in a glass box" that a welll planted betta tank would look nicer then.

 

[bbortko]

Bettas are definitely one of the most enjoyable small fish to keep. I had one that would jump about 2 inches(not a lot but pretty decent when you account for the bettas size) to take food from my hand.