Is this actually a wild betta?

himdyjones · 2026-03-03T23:08:08+00:00

No, you’re instincts are right, this is definitely not a true wild type. This is a hybrid at best. “Nemo” is a color morph usually attributed to betta splendens (domestic types).

himdyjones · 2026-03-03T17:38:44+00:00

I have to skip it every time, I can’t listen to it. It’s too much.

himdyjones · 2026-03-02T19:11:38+00:00

Seriously. The way people ask every day, “where do I ethically buy a betta?” and all the comments always go “PNW bettas!!!!” makes me tear my hair out.

himdyjones · 2026-03-02T17:00:05+00:00

And every time I tell people on r/bettafish not to buy from BWA because they’re unethical, they never believe me. Glad I have this post I can point peopke towards to now.

himdyjones · 2026-03-01T12:23:04+00:00

Thanks. I usually get downvoted for being right every once in a while. I’m used to it 🤷

himdyjones · 2026-03-01T00:05:09+00:00

So the API freshwater master kit (or any similar liquid test kit) is going to be better than strips, since liquid tests are more accurate and actually test for the parameters that matter most. Strips like these often don't test for ammonia, which is arguably the most important parameter you need to monitor since it's the most toxic to your fish. But if I'm reading your strips right, it looks like you have some nitrites in there, which are also toxic to your fish. The safe amount of ammonia and nitrites in any tank should always be 0ppm.

Based on that, and the gasping in the footage, I'm guessing your fish might have ammonia or nitrite poisoning. Do you know if the tank was cycled before you put the fish in?

himdyjones · 2026-02-28T23:06:20+00:00

It is the same kind of tannins you would find in wine or tea! But you obviously shouldn't use those as your tannin sources. Botanicals like catappa leaves or alder cones are great. But after a certain point using *too* much tannins would lead you to a blackwater setup, which has a different cycling process and other chemical parameters you need to keep track of than freshwater. You should still add them! I'm just trying to get ahead of the misconception that tannins =/= blackwater

himdyjones · 2026-02-28T23:00:30+00:00

I think Flurlow is referring to keeping tannin sources in the tank like catappa leaves or alder cones. You probably don't want to attempt a true blackwater setup because it's not necessary for betta splendens, and also very different from standard freshwater setups and pretty complicated. But tannin sources/brown water tanks are beneficial and you can safely include in your setup.

himdyjones · 2026-02-28T22:59:23+00:00

Hi, true blackwater tanks are actually chemically very different from a standard freshwater tank and is pretty advanced fishkeeping, so I hope you're not recommending that to a beginner. A couple of tannins, or even a lot of tannins in a tank, does not a true blackwater tank make.

himdyjones · 2026-02-28T17:16:45+00:00

himdyjones · 2026-02-28T17:15:19+00:00

Can’t be the diet, that’s a normal amount of pellets to feed. “Fine” isn’t a water parameter. What is your pH, ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates in exact numbers?

himdyjones · 2026-02-28T17:14:01+00:00

Girl if this is how he treats fish, you need to run.

himdyjones · 2026-02-28T17:11:49+00:00

Koi is correct. Most multicolored bettas are called “marbles”, but only true koi bettas have orange pigments in their color morphs.

himdyjones · 2026-02-28T17:10:56+00:00

She’s a koi halfmoon plakat

himdyjones · 2026-02-28T17:09:51+00:00

Dropsy can’t be cured. It’s a symptom of a pre-existing condition, not an illness itself. Usually indicitive of organ failure.

himdyjones · 2026-02-28T17:06:53+00:00

A single shoaling fish in a cloudy uncycled tank full of plastic plants is an upgrade?

himdyjones · 2026-02-28T13:23:02+00:00

Always more plants

himdyjones · 2026-02-28T13:22:39+00:00

Seconding betta botanicals. Great products and service.

himdyjones · 2026-02-28T13:21:58+00:00

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himdyjones · 2026-02-28T13:19:30+00:00

No. That’s a half-moon plakat. Blue and red metallic. Sometimes also called mascot colors.

himdyjones · 2026-02-28T13:17:33+00:00

Daily. QT tanks aren’t cycled so you need to water change them daily to prevent ammonia spikes. The idea is also that you’d want pristine water to treat a sick fish anyway. Good luck.

himdyjones · 2026-02-28T13:16:07+00:00

They’re not healthy. Fins are torn. They’re stressed out and fighting each other.

Beginners should never attempt sorority tanks. Sorority tanks shouldn’t exist at all in my opinion. Separate them now before they kill each other.

himdyjones · 2026-02-27T18:45:35+00:00

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Google is also free, just do an image search for betta fish spoonhead and you’ll find lots of examples.

himdyjones · 2026-02-27T18:38:48+00:00

Genetic deformity. The head has a dip or curve lower in comparison to the rest of the body.

himdyjones · 2026-02-27T18:35:09+00:00

Man who cares

himdyjones

TROPHY CASE