by Natilee Stobaugh

Created on: August 01, 2009

Is it cruel? Like many things in this world, there is no easy answer for this question.Are the capture, smuggling, and cosmetic torture practices displayed by many breeders of exotic saltwater breeds cruel? I'd say yes, extremely cruel. Would be right to stop keeping some breeds, like delicate telescope eyed and Moor goldfish, as household pets and turn them out into your local pond? When they have been perfectly happy domestic pets for centuries? No, they wouldn't be able to survive without their human caretakers. As a fish owner and neutral to this topic, I'll give you both sides of this widely debated topic. Lets learn a little more about the world's most popular pet.

We've all seen them somewhere. At the pet store, in your doctor's office, and on various TV shows about the ocean. From 'Blue Planet' and 'Planet Earth' on the Discovery Channel to 'Finding Nemo' on Disney Channel, the world seems to be captivated by the wonder that is the saltwater fish. Some fish can range from a few bucks to thousands of dollars in price, not to mention the various supplies needed for their up-keep. Salt-water fish make good 'showcase' pets, with they're bright colors and graceful way of gliding through the water. But salt waters are notoriously hard to care for, seeing as to their frail tolerance to stress and various nutritional needs that aren't always met by the can of food saying 'Tropical Fish'. A little trick for buying fish is, one, always be prepared. Make sure the tank runs fish less for a few days to collect the necessary algae and the correct temperature. Two, always buy from a good local pet shop. NEVER buy from someplace like Pet-Smart, a 'pet specialty store' in a mall, and please slap your self if you even consider Wal-Mart. If you don't know about any local shops, consult your trusty area vet. One thing that I've found is most good pet shops are plant nurseries as well.

In summary, unless you've done you're research and are ready to dole out some serious coin, you may want to shy away from salt water fish.

Betas. Delicate, bright, and beautiful, Betas are the closest thing to a saltwater looking fish found in freshwater. Be wary though, these lovely pieces of art have a deadly side, they are incredibly aggressive to other fish, and the plain Jane females can rip the fins off a male in minutes. All of you who think it is cruel to keep betas in vases with plants and in small tanks are being naive and foolish. Betas PREFER small spaces. In their

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