Richard James

Bettas are one of the most popular freshwater fish in the hobby. Millions of Betta fish are kept worldwide and many people see them more like pets than just another fish.  Personally, my Betta keeping journey started around 20 years ago, but it was more recently I found myself wondering can Betta fish eat ants? Betta fish […]

Betta fish have been kept in the hobby for decades and over that time their popularity has continued to grow. Today, Betta fish are one of the most widely kept fish in the world, with many aquarists keeping more than one in their collection. Betta fish are primarily surface and mid-water feeders. Their slightly upturned

Over the last 10 years or so we have seen a surge in the number of people keeping Betta fish.  From the regular Betta that we all know and love, known as Betta Splendens, to some of the more exotic, wild-caught species, the humble Betta is going from strength to strength. One of the primary questions all

If there is one thing that sets Betta keepers apart from other fish keepers, it’s the fact that we really get to know our Bettas.  To us, Bettas aren’t just another fish, they are pets.  Because we get to know our Bettas so well, we notice when their behavior changes.   There are a number of reasons

Over the last 20 years, I have kept Bettas with just about every species of ‘community’ fish available.  Some combinations were more successful than others.   Betta fish and Cherry Barbs were definitely one of the most successful pairings. Betta fish and Cherry Barbs can live together in the same aquarium providing the tank offers sufficient

Betta fish are now one of the most popular freshwater tropical fish in the world. Every year they are sold in their millions worldwide.  These colorful, flamboyant, and personable fish look even more stunning when kept against the green background of live plants. Lucky Bamboo or Dracaena sanderiana to give it its scientific name, makes a great

White Cloud Mountain Minnows are seriously underrated in our hobby.  Whilst it is true they are extremely hardy and make an ideal fish for new fish keepers, it doesn’t mean they should be overlooked when looking for suitable tank mates for a Betta. White Cloud Mountain Minnows make excellent tank mates for a Betta fish.

Betta fish have grown in popularity over the last 20 years.  Every year they are sold in their millions worldwide. On countless occasions on social media, we see images of Betta fish being kept in tiny containers.  Here I answer the question Can Bettas be kept in jars? A jar is far too small to keep

Betta fish have long been popular in the aquarium hobby thanks to their bright coloration, hardy disposition, and personable nature.  Traditionally, Bettas have been kept as solitary specimens in small tanks, but now the trend is moving toward keeping them in a community setting with other fish.  Recently I was asked Can Betta fish live with

Bettas have been a popular fish in the freshwater fishkeeping hobby for decades. For so many years Bettas have been kept solo specimens in tiny bowls. Now, thankfully, that trend is changing and more people are starting to keep their Bettas as part of a larger community tank. Rummy Nose Tetras make excellent tank mates