r/bettafish • u/Warm_Ad_7221 • 22h ago
Transformation 16-Day Hannibal Update: Apparently I Created a Monster 😂
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. 😂❤️
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u/Vohasiiv 21h ago
you named him Hannibal before you saw him murder and eat everything???
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u/Warm_Ad_7221 9h ago
Yes i did 😆 I named him it based off him being picky also if I put my finger in to feed him which he prefers hes a very aggressive biter lol somedays more then others 😆
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u/StruggleOk7149 20h ago
The first time I did a water change and put mine back in his Petco cup he lost his mind too. 😂
You did a great job giving him an appropriate healthy home!
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u/Warm_Ad_7221 9h ago
Thank you i hope he does well my 1st betta didnt last year so I learned by trail and error obsessive research during his issues
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u/LittlehouseonTHELAND 15h ago
I transferred mine from her initial temporary tank to her big tank using her Petsmart cup and she lost her shit too! I felt so bad! I practically ran between the two tanks so I could get her out of the damn cup as quickly as possible while yelling “it’s okay, it’s just for a minute, you’re not going back I promise!” 😅😂
I got rid of the cup afterwards because there was no way I was doing that again!
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u/TheCalmandSlow 19h ago
You named him Hannibal. I was expecting something else. LOL. Guess no other bettas or fishies hit their demise.
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u/Solid-Way7392 10h ago
I LOVE your story of Hannibal's becoming himself! Anyone who's gotten to know a betta completely understands. Enjoy your fierce little charge!
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u/Warm_Ad_7221 9h ago
Thank you hes got such a personality he fits in perfect i have a husky and a gsp lol😆
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u/P4RTYH0RS3 20h ago
WE love you hannibal. this is his design.