A Quick Guide on How to Buy/Pick Healthy Betta Fish

INTRODUCTION:  You all excited to be purchasing betta fish for the first time? Well, that's good to know.  But just be sure you don't make the same mistake too many first time betta keepers have made.  That is - buying a sick fish.  Because you're not just spending on a $5 moontail betta here.  Basically you're also investing in your tank set up including the heater, filter, decors, and all that jazz.  Not to mention, you're still not quite an expert at taking care of a sick betta. Betta fish care is one thing.  But you haven't even tried keeping a healthy betta yet, much less tend to an ill fish.  So here are some guidelines on what to look for the minute you walk in that pet store if you want a fish that has as long a betta fish life span as possible.

First, check out the place.  Try to see if there's any smell of dead animals.  If so it's possible that your bettas could be prone to bacteria or viral infection.  Not a good sign.

Next, try to spot the betta fish section and then try to find which of them is the healthiest.  How would you know?  Here's a checklist.

Color
The color should be vivid and bright.  A dull or pale betta can be sick or stressed out which could develop an illness anytime soon.  So you need to find one in which its color catches your eye the minute you lay eyes on it.

Eyes
Pick a betta that has clear, bright eyes.  Make sure they are not cloudy or this could be a sign of infection.  If the betta's got eyes that pop out, well it's not genetic. It simply tells you that it's sick so never pick it.

Fins
The betta's fins should be intact - no tears, no patches, no brown spots.  Also, a betta with a clear tip on its fin is a sign of regrowth which could mean that it's recovering from an illness called fin rot.  Now it's up to you if you want to pick one such as that.

Body
Look for a betta that has got no sores or tumors on its body.  The belly should not be bloated.

Movement/Behavior
So you see it's not just the physical aspect you're going to check on, but the betta's movement and behavior as well.  A normal, healthy betta seems very active, loves to swim to the surface, and gets aggressive with other bettas or sometimes just other fish around.  You will actually notice it flare its fins - which is typically a warning sign to other male betta splendens to back off.  Now if the betta you're checking on does not exhibit any of these signs or that it's not moving or not responding, then it could already be an inch away from its deathbed.  Certainly it's not a betta that has long life span stamped all over it. 

CONCLUSION: Basically these are the things to look for when picking healthy betta fish.  One last tip:  Try to buy a betta from a reputable breeder rather than commercial pet stores.  Since bettas coming from breeders are more likely to come out healthier and happier.  They are the experts on betta fish care after all so you're sure you're getting nothing but the best and healthiest betta around.