finding reputable sources for buying betta fish

[beccykit]

I'm trying to find a place to buy fin_tank that aligns with my values - I don't want to support mass producers that keep fish in tiny cups, it's just heartbreaking. I'm also wary of backyard breeders who just buy from Petco and start breeding, that doesn't seem right either. Are there any reputable sources out there that prioritize the welfare of the fish?

[rusticreed]

Honestly, it's tough to find a super ethical source for fin_tank right now, but if you're really concerned, going with a local breeder might be the lesser of two evils. I know it's not ideal, but Petco isn't the worst, depending on your local fish store - mine's actually pretty bad, but that's just my area.

[kingrise]

My local fish store has a great selection of bettas, each in their own 1g heated and filtered tank, which is awesome. But the truth is, they came from the breeder in those small cups. It's basically a given that any betta you buy will have been in a small cup at some point - unless you're one of the rare ones who breeds them yourself or is out catching them in the wild.

[oldraider]

I've visited numerous pet stores over the years, and more often than not, I've seen bettas confined to small cups. There was one instance, however, where a local fish store kept them in divided tanks - unfortunately, that store has since closed its doors.

[beccykit]

I think what bothers me more is the bareness and small size of those cups, rather than the cups themselves. I get that bettas are super aggressive and can't be housed together like other fish, but it would be nice if the cups were a bit bigger and had some visual barriers to block their sight. Being stacked with other bettas must be really stressful for them, with no escape from all the other bettas surrounding them. It's like they're constantly on high alert.

I've noticed that bettas at some stores seem more energetic than at others. I overheard employees at one store talking about doing daily water changes for the bettas, which might be a good sign. There's another store near me that I've had good luck with for other fish and even shrimp, so that's another option to consider. I also really respect Rachel O'Leary and trust her, but she doesn't always have a lot of stock. When we're ready to buy, I'll check her website again, but I'm not the one making the final decision - pea puffers are also on the table. We're still undecided, to be honest.

Thanks for all your input, it's been helpful.