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their fish should seek out a quality pair from a reputable breeder, as well as thoroughly research all requirements for keeping the resultant fry healthy.

Many of the other varieties are available through breeders, on online forums, and on auction sites such as http://www.aquabid.com. Most of these varieties start at about $15 for a pet-quality fish and go up from there, sometimes into the hundreds of dollars for top-quality breeders. Often, the best stock can be found from breeders in Singapore, Thailand, and other such countries with a high breeding standard.

Housing:

Contrary to popular belief, these fish can NOT thrive in tiny cups or the ever-popular betta vases. These fish should have no less than a gallon apiece and should have good filtration. In one gallon of water, partial water changes will be required every two or three days. Not only do these fish not require bottled water in their bowls or tanks, it is not recommended. Bottled water has no minerals (unless they have been added or intentionally left in) and is drastically different from the water the fish has been in up to that point. Research proper cycling methods and use de-chlorinated tap water to ensure the fish has the same kind of water it's used to, or as near to the same kind as possible.

Plants are attractive decoration and appreciated by the bettas. Because these fish are air-breathers (they breath off of the surface of the water, as opposed to many other kinds of fish that absorb dissolved oxygen in the water) they appreciate plants near the surface that they can rest on at times. These should be either real or silk plants, the plastic plants commonly sold for aquarium decoration can snag the betta's flowing tail and tear it.

Care and feeding:

Aside from partial water changes, bettas require little beyond regular feeding. These fish are generally fed very small amounts two or three times a day, though some fish can successfully be fed less. Juveniles and fry will need to be fed at LEAST once a day.

Many pet store fish will only eat the betta pellets they've been raised with, though if at all possible your fish should be fed a variety of foods. Though notoriously finicky eaters, bettas almost always learn to accept different kinds of food. A balanced diet of pellets mixed with live food such as moina, micro-worms, bloodworms, grindal worms, or brine shrimp will keep your betta healthy, active, and brilliantly-colored.

Lifespan:

Depending on the feeding and housing conditions,

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