r/bettafish • u/roboto6 • Jul 08 '26
Hey everyone, Roboto, your friendly neighborhood (actually human) mod here with some subreddit updates!
First, the least fun part in all of this –
We need to talk about our subreddit culture.
Our community is toxic. There’s no other way I can think of to describe what has been happening. Even worse, this reputation extends beyond our immediate community into other subreddits and even other platforms. People are afraid of us.
I’m going to take some ownership of this. The harsh reputation of this subreddit far precedes me as a mod, but in recent years, our hard-fought progress on this front has been lost. That’s on me. The lack of consistent moderation here has let rules 1 and 2 go under-enforced for too long, allowing hostility to take root as the norm.
The adversarial and unwelcoming environment we’ve collectively created functions in direct opposition to our subreddit goals, and frankly what I believe to be the goals of many users here. If we care about betta fish first and foremost, this culture needs to change.
Our expectations and what better looks like
If you have good advice to give, give it in a more constructive, not destructive, way. Shaming people makes them shut down and disengage so they don't even process the rest of the good advice you have to offer. Don't highlight all the things they're doing wrong, focus on what they can do better and why it's helpful in a way that encourages them to do it.
So instead of saying "your empty tank is sad," share the opportunities for improvement, like "betta fish benefit from tanks with lots of plants and hiding/resting places so your fish would be happier if you filled the tank in a bit more."
We can’t ignore that people will think they're doing research by going and talking to presumed experts or reading product information. Store employees are presumed to be properly trained and products marketed at bettas are assumed to know what they’re talking about, too. It doesn't help that there's very little consensus online about what adequate care even is. For example, Petco's online betta care guide, updated in 2025, says bettas need a minimum of 1gal. Furthermore, many quality care guides are on niche websites that may not seem credible to a new hobbyist compared to a well-known chain.
With that in mind, we all need to stop:
Going forward, comments exhibiting the behaviors listed above will be removed as violations of rules 1, 2, or 4 depending on the exact nature of the comment.
I know members of our subreddit are burned out from the bad husbandry they see constantly. It's exhausting and I won't pretend it's not. But if we bully one owner into submission, cool, that's maybe one fish saved. How many owners did we scare away from asking for help in the process? We're going to have a far broader impact building people up in this hobby, not tearing them down.
That said, this is a two-way street of support. I'm cognizant of the fact that people offer their time and mental energy supporting our subreddit, and they don't deserve to have that wasted by people who don't care to use it. If someone is given better information and advice and refuses to take it, that violates rule 3. We often get reports about all the fighting around ignored advice, but not the ignoring itself. In the future, please report these instances to us. For this to be successful, we also need users to avoid escalating disagreements when OP refuses valid and respectful advice.
Now for the fun stuff –
New mods
We recently brought on 12 additional mods to enable us to better support this community’s needs. Please help us welcome:
They’re going to introduce themselves in the comments below and I’ll try and link their names in this post as they do.
It takes a bit to get 12 brand new people to operate as a consistent group, so we may occasionally over-moderate while everyone learns.
I realize that our increased emphasis on subreddit culture may make removals feel arbitrary at times. In the spirit of transparency, I have given the new moderators the guidance that if a senior mod isn’t free to give timely feedback, when in doubt, they should remove posts/comments that are believed to violate rules. Senior mods will still review the content in question, and removals may be reversed, if necessary.
If you disagree with a moderator’s decision, please send us a modmail and one of the senior mods will review your concern and get back to you.
Updated tools and resources
Small updates at this time, but more exciting things in the pipeline!
Roboto is a super sentimental actual human
I realize this post started on a challenging topic, but despite the highs and lows our community faces, I remain grateful that I get to do this with you all.
I’ve been a mod of this community for nearly 7 years, and a member for far longer. In that time, so many things, from our mod team, to Reddit as a platform, to our own lives and the world around us, have become fundamentally different.
There are very few constants I can point to after all this time, but the enduring engagement and passion of this community is one of them and I’m honored to steward this space.
At the core of it all, this hobby, and this subreddit, are comprised of people who really want the best for one another and that makes this work so much easier.
Thank you all, sincerely, for riding with us as we figure this thing out. I’m excited for the next chapter of our subreddit, and I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together in the next 7 years.
- Roboto
Edit: If anyone has additional feedback about our community culture, please share it in a comment below, or feel free to send us a modmail.
r/bettafish • u/AutoModerator • 3d ago
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Ask away!
r/bettafish • u/BingoBingoBird • 5h ago
This is Button. Button is a bit unique from the other fish I have seen and as such I was immediately enamored. Shes not very smart and loves sleeping on the ground rather then the dozen more comfortable spots she has available. Sometimes I wonder what she's thinking. If she can think that is. I have little hope
r/bettafish • u/faeiriey • 8h ago
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(Video taken before I plucked out the browning duckweed!! Washed my hands and rinsed them very very well)
Henri's only been home since Friday but he's already so comfy 🥹
r/bettafish • u/No_Target2801 • 6h ago
I feel so horrible for the fish of my childhood. As a kid I had 4 betta fish (at different times) that all died within a year. I thought it was strange at the time because I’d heard they were hearty fish. Recently, my neighbor gave me a tank, filter, heater, and accessories for an aquarium the other day so I figured I’d get another betta! I hadn’t had one since I was a kid so I couldn’t remember exactly how to care for them and OH MY GOD???? No wonder my poor fish died!! The pet store people set us up with a one gallon tank, water conditioner, food and… that was it??! We’d take the fish out in a drinking glass sized cup every few weeks and completely replace all the water, scrub down every piece of gravel and all the accessories. I now realize through my research now you need a much bigger tank, a filter, a heater, to cycle the tank before the fish is there, to do periodic partial water changes and (as I’m sure I’ll learn) much more! It’s actually insane that this is considered an appropriate pet for a child to care for alone. I have a cat and honestly it seems easier to care for her than a fish! I feel so horribly guilty for the fish I had as a kid, I should have done more research at the time but at age 8 I suppose the pet store people’s word was enough for me. I’m determined to raise a fish RIGHT this time! Rip to all my fish of the past and all the fish being bought as “starter pets” for kids right now :(
r/bettafish • u/Preaw_proud • 6h ago
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Hi everyone
I get this betta from Pet market in Bangkok Thailand
Just 20 baht ( 0.61$) very cheap and good form
Beautiful color and nine fin I love it
r/bettafish • u/lyunkww • 13h ago
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I’m so happy ! Any ideas for a name ?
r/bettafish • u/Waste-Progress3306 • 2h ago
Today I had to say goodbye to my beautiful boy, Albus. 💔🐟
He was the most gorgeous little betta, with so much personality and a beauty that never stopped amazing me. I only got to have him for three short months, and it feels like he was taken from me far too soon.
Three months wasn’t nearly enough time, but I hope he knew how loved he was every single day. I did everything I could for my sweet boy, and I will always be grateful that I got to know him.
Swim peacefully, Albus. 🌈🤍 You were beautiful, you were loved, and you will never be forgotten.
Gone too soon, my sweet boy. 😭🐟💔
r/bettafish • u/Warm_Ad_7221 • 19h ago
For everyone who saw Hannibal’s original story, I figured it was time for an update because I’ve officially had him for 16 days now.
When I found Hannibal, he had been sitting at Petco since May 5th. He was dull, covered in stress stripes, and had very little swimming strength. I brought him home knowing exactly what he looked like before but who knows if he will ever look like that again—I knew he'd been sitting in that cup long enough and he had chosen me. (See his beginning story) Sorry Avatar betta....one day
His first stop was a little 2.5-gallon recovery tank.
At first, even swimming against the gentle filter flow and airstone was WORK for him. So we spent those first days letting him rest, eat, explore, and basically relearn how to be a fish while he built his muscles back up.
And slowly, Hannibal started changing.
His swimming got stronger. His personality started coming out. His colors started getting darker and richer.
Then his 6-gallon planted corner tank was ready.
And this is where I discovered Hannibal apparently has some unresolved feelings about his former accommodations. 😂
I had actually saved his original Petco cup, so when it was time to transfer him from the 2.5-gallon into his new home, I thought it would be the perfect little container to move him safely.
Hannibal did NOT agree.
The second I put him back into that cup, he absolutely LOST HIS MIND.
Flipping, thrashing, trying to JUMP OUT—the whole thing. I had to slap my hand over the top and immediately get him into the 6-gallon before this newly muscular little psychopath launched himself onto my desk.
SIR.
WE ARE NOT GOING BACK TO PETCO. I PROMISE. 😭😂
Once he hit that 10-gallon, though? Completely different fish.
His tank sits right on my desk where I work every day, so now Hannibal gets attention pretty much all day long. It's planted, has plenty of places to explore and rest, and before moving him in, I let it develop into a thriving little ecosystem.
There were copepods, detritus worms, pest snails and all kinds of tiny little critters crawling and swimming around in there.
I was so proud of myself.
Look at this beautiful little ecosystem I made for him! He can hunt! Natural enrichment! This will keep him entertained!
Hannibal: Bet.
Within approximately 24 HOURS, the population of little white swimming things had been absolutely decimated. 😂
This man spent an entire day hunting his way through his new kingdom...
...and then had the AUDACITY to swim up to the glass and beg me for food.
No.
NO, DUDE.
I watched you eat everybody.
You're fat now.
You can wait until I clean your tank. 😂
And looking at him now, I can't believe this is the same fish I brought home 16 days ago. His stress stripes are basically gone, that gorgeous deep burgundy/red color has come back, he's strong enough to fight the current, patrol his entire tank, hunt anything unfortunate enough to wiggle in front of him—and apparently attempt an emergency prison break if he ever sees that Petco cup again.
I thought I was bringing home a sad little betta who needed a chance.
Apparently I was rehabilitating a tiny aquatic serial killer with a bottomless stomach.
In retrospect...
Naming him Hannibal may have been a self-fulfilling prophecy. 😂❤️
r/bettafish • u/AdLumpy7032 • 15h ago
Today, after just 4 months, Blup has passed away. I bought him from a breeder after losing my first betta, hoping he would live a long and healthy life with me. And he did - all the way until 4 days ago, when I noticed something was wrong. He stopped being my lively little teddy bear, and suddenly lost a few small pieces of his tail. Things quickly got worse after that; he developed dropsy. He fought bravely and endured Epsom salt baths, resting on my hand. Even though he looked like a pinecone, I still hoped he would pull through. Sadly, that didn't happen :(
Blup had a wonderful personality. He was lively, curious, trusted me a lot, and in his final hours, he even let me use my hand to help him back onto his catappa leaf to lay close to the surface. I still remember the day he arrived. I expected him to be stressed after traveling for 2 days in a package, but the moment I released him from the bag, he immediately and joyfully started exploring his new home.
r/bettafish • u/Sweaty_Ad_5393 • 3h ago
finally came time to adopt a new baby after my Genie girl unfortunately passed </3 Double Tail Halfmoon Male! He’s so little! Never seen coloration like this!! Any name suggestions?
kinda reminds me of Yuji Itadori’s uniform from JJK (which I’ve been obsessed with recently) lol but idk if I should give him an anime name?
r/bettafish • u/Motor-Midnight5094 • 6h ago
Been finicking with this tank since march, when the sad bettas at petco made me want to save one. Wound up not buying from petco as I didn't want to support that, got him from a local fish store about a week ago.
r/bettafish • u/ZSP8 • 12h ago
I put Gus in with 2 Cory cats and two snails and he has bullied them to the point I have had to relocate the Cory’s and sadly bury the rest of his victims. Then I added three amano shrimp because I read online that’s all they are the best cleanup crew and were betta fish compatible and he bullied them until I had to relocate. I would love to have more in the tank but I don’t want to have the deaths of the many others so I was wondering how other people have bettas in community tanks and if possible what could I keep safely with the angry dude
r/bettafish • u/Reasonable_Boss_6059 • 8h ago
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hey guys i’m super new to all of this betta fish keeping and stuff, i setup my tank about a month ago, but I feel like it’s missing something? Please give me all your advice, TIA!!
r/bettafish • u/Former-Window3651 • 10h ago
I am a small scale betta fish rescue in San Jose, CA and Sunny is available for adoption!! This boy is incredibly spicy and energetic, and loves to show off his flares, learn tricks and jump, and will never fail greet you the second he sees you. He also loves exploring with his endless amount of curiosity, and will truly become your best friend. This guy was a PetSmart surrender, and survived ammonia over 2ppm high, along with gills and fins rotted off. He’s made a spectacular recovery, and needs a forever home. He is on the aggressive side, so he will need to be housed alone. If you’re in the Bay Area, message me to see if he is the right fit for you 💕🐟.
r/bettafish • u/FinnTheDogg • 7h ago
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r/bettafish • u/Academic_Formal_3386 • 37m ago
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Recently I got this beautiful pair and I was looking for names. The spieces of batta is Betta imbellis. For now I called them Mr. And Mrs. Cullen after the passing of Peter Cullen.
r/bettafish • u/sp1208 • 9h ago
We have had Coraline for about 3 weeks. She will nip at the Aqueon betta pellets, may put it in her mouth then spit it out a few times before abandoning it. I tried 3 other foods too, which she won’t even nip at. The only thing she eats is ground daphnia. Pics include all I have tried, and then the daphnia she eats once a day.
This is my second fish. The first betta wouldn’t eat the Aqueon food either and passed away after a month. (My friends helped feed her while I was gone and when I got back, there were over 30 fuzzy pellets sitting at the bottom of her tank.) So for my new one I am cautious to watch her and remove what she doesn’t eat.
Any advise? Is just daphnia okay?
r/bettafish • u/Timely-Bath9194 • 1d ago
r/bettafish • u/VolvaBecky • 7h ago
Hi, even though I’ve been in this sub for a bit (maybe a month or two) and have made comments for about a month or so, this is my first time making a post. Please let me know if I need to edit or add anything.
I was curious if anyone has any interactive toys or something similar to recommend that would be for a very curious Betta.
This is my mom’s and I’s Betta, JiJi, in the picture.
- He LOVES his caverns
- He loves playing with the bubbles his sponge filter makes and any bubbles that appear in his cavern (what he’s doing in the picture)
- He lives in a 5 gallon tank, since he has a hard time swimming in anything larger
- He doesn’t like tank mates (he killed the two snails we had with him in this tank and we suspect he killed one of the Otto’s we had with him, when he was in a 40 gallon tank)
We looked up Betta toys on Amazon and saw things like mirrors (even though they flare and can get hurt looking at their reflection) and other things we question if they would actually work (considering reflection toys are sold).
Since a lot of people here usually have really good advice, we wanted to use my account and ask you guys if you have any recommendations on good toys. If you guys need a picture of the whole tank to know what would be a good fit, please let me know and I can post that as a comment. This post wouldn’t let me post a second photo or any videos.
Thank you to anyone who helps us with this. It’s been so long since we’ve taken care of a Betta and so much has changed. The last time we had a Betta, it was around 2013-2014-ish and all of this stuff you guys talk about wasn’t something we knew about at the time, only the gallon thing.
r/bettafish • u/Ill-Succotash-9187 • 6h ago
New to keeping betta. My brother loves aqua scaping and I am thinking of keeping a betta.
r/bettafish • u/Cjethan22 • 1d ago
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Always the camera hog
r/bettafish • u/barneswindow • 4h ago
Hi! I got this beautiful alien betta at petco 3 days ago and he has developed quite severe stress stripes. I was wondering if there is something I can do to make sure he is less stressed? Does he just need time to acclimate?
The first picture is today and yhe second/third are him the day I brought him home
he is in a 10 gallon cycled tank with lots of plants and hides. He spends a lot of time hiding or glass surfing which really makes me worried about his headspace. The water temperature and quality are in parameters. Im thinking I might have to put something on the glass to try to make it less reflective? Im so nervous because this is my first fish ever and I really want the best for him
r/bettafish • u/Hot-Choice-6568 • 11h ago
Hello! I just got a betta, and I’ve read up on the basics, but I’m still new to this. Could someone help me identify its sex and let me know if it looks healthy? Thanks.
