Bettas are addictive lol

[Masurai]

I had been thinking about get a betta for awhile and four days ago I picked up a blue one. Then two days later I saw a pretty red one and got it. then today was at wal-mart and they had a nice looking blue/green crowntail and i had to have it. And i will probably end up getting a half-moon when i go to petsmart saturday to get crickets for my Ts

 

[Entomancer]

I had been thinking about get a betta for awhile and four days ago I picked up a blue one. Then two days later I saw a pretty red one and got it. then today was at wal-mart and they had a nice looking blue/green crowntail and i had to have it. And i will probably end up getting a half-moon when i go to petsmart saturday to get crickets for my Ts

If you like Bettas, you should take a look at what lies outside the Betta splendens complex/breeds/morphs.

Betta is an entire genus of fish, and while the other species in the genus tend to be overshadowed by the "domesticated" B. splendens, there are many other species that deserve more attention; they also tend to be easier to keep, as they do not exhibit the extreme aggression present in the domesticated B. splendens, and can be kept in small groups in suitably sized tanks. They also have more natural coloration, which, despite being more reserved, is more beautiful in my opinion. My favorites are B. macrostoma and B. albimarginata. Aquabid.com is good place to find some of these for sale, and specialty fish stores/independent pet/fish stores in your area would be another place to look for them.

Here are some profiles from seriouslyfish.com for some of the prettier species in the genus:

http://www.seriouslyfish.com/species/betta-macrostoma/

http://www.seriouslyfish.com/species/betta-albimarginata/

http://www.seriouslyfish.com/species/betta-rubra/

http://www.seriouslyfish.com/species/betta-channoides/

 

[Aviara]

Be careful not to buy too many betta splendens though, especially males. Since they can't be housed together, each male really requires a filtered, heated 5-gallon aquarium. The cost and space requirements of the hobby build up quickly. I love betta fish too, but it can get out of hand quickly and your betta fish will suffer if that happens. Consider LordRaiden's post about other species - some of them can live communally, which can help!

 

[myrmecophile]

Wild bettas are absolutely the way to go.

 

[bugmankeith]

Be careful not to buy too many betta splendens though, especially males. Since they can't be housed together, each male really requires a filtered, heated 5-gallon aquarium. The cost and space requirements of the hobby build up quickly. I love betta fish too, but it can get out of hand quickly and your betta fish will suffer if that happens. Consider LordRaiden's post about other species - some of them can live communally, which can help!

100% agree. also check out ultimatebettas forum.