Which Betta to Purchase?

Before purchasing your betta fish, there are several things you need to look for. In the petstore, bettas are usually sold in little plastic bowls with lids. This is not an ideal home for your betta, and the betta will suffer from it if he is left in this cramped environment for too long.
You want to look for any signs of disease on the betta fish before you buy him (or her). Read about common betta fish diseases in the previous article titled: "Betta Fish Diseases". Despite what the sales person might tell you, you don't want to purchase a sick betta fish. Here is a brief list of an ill betta:

• Clamped fins
• Rapid breathing
• Fish is leaning sideways
• Fish is belly-up
• Bulging body parts
• Anything unusual in the betta

You want to research before buying your betta fish. Signs of a healthy betta fish are:

• The betta is very active
• The betta has one to zero of the symptoms above
• The betta looks happy

You always want to check over bettas before buying one. Remember, a healthy betta is a safe purchase.