BETTA FISH TRENDING TOPICS FOR JANUARY 2017

Betta Fish Trending Topics for January 2017
The betta fish is and will forever be one of the most popular types of aquarium fish. What are people saying about betta in the new year?
Also known as the Siamese Fighting Fish, betta fish are some of the most popular fish in the freshwater aquarium industry. These fish come in a wide range of different colors, patterns, and tail types and they are generally easy to care for. Below you will find a review of some of the top betta fish trends and topics of discussion from popular betta fish forums and social media accounts for January 2017.
 
Betta Fish Housing: The AquaBlock Aquarium
 
One of the hottest topics related to betta fish that seems to make a resurgence several times a year is the issue of housing. In pet stores, betta fish are displayed and sold in small plastic containers barely large enough for them to move. Some aquarium hobbyists make the argument that, in their natural habitat, betta fish are sometimes found in puddles and dried-up rice paddies, but that doesn’t mean that this is the ideal environment for any fish. Unfortunately, there are many aquarium supply companies out there who propagate the myth that, not only can bettas survive in very small aquariums, but that this is the kind of environment that is best for them.



In 2012, The AquaBlock was released for the first time and the company created a Twitter account that same year to advertise sales and promotions. AquaBlock is a decorative, portable aquarium made from durable glass that measures approximately 8 inches long by 8 inches high and 3 inches deep – there is also a slightly larger 10-inch size. The AquaBlock is marketed as “the perfect fish tank for anyone, at any age,” though advertisements typically show it being used for betta fish. Customers are encouraged to choose from a variety of vibrant designs that combine colored sand and gravel, all glued down “for easy cleaning”, or they can create a custom design.
 
Though the AquaBlock company only has gained 250 followers and has written a total of 300 tweets since 2012, it has recently been a trending topic on Twitter. Having just released a new line of portable aquariums in 2017, AquaBlock is seeing a resurgence in popularity, as are other desktop-style tanks like the Zoo Med Betta Condo, the Aqueon Betta Bowl, and the Tetra Waterfall Globe.


Betta Fish Problems: Keeping Bettas with Other Fish
 
Users for the popular betta fish forum site, BettaFish.com, have recently been exploring the idea of keeping betta fish with other fish. One post from January 16th asked the question, “Do you think bettas are truly solitary fish?” The post was written by someone who has been keeping betta fish for more than 10 years and, during that time, has always kept his bettas in a planted community tank with livebearers and small tetras. This user makes the argument that, in the wild, fish do not live alone and even goes so far as to say that bettas kept in a community setting can live more fulfilling lives. When kept alone, betta fish are under-stimulated and under-active which could be a factor in reducing their lifespan.



Though this thread is full of comments about the dangers of keeping two male betta fish together, there is a surprising amount of support for the idea of keeping betta fish with small, peaceful community fish. One user writes, “My community tank is doing just fine with a male betta in it, and in the past I’ve had more issues with the other fish pecking at the betta rather than the other way around”. Another user makes the distinction that, “living with different species in a community tank does not mean they are not solitary”. So, while betta fish can get along with other fish, they are not a social species that enjoys the company of other fish, particularly from their own species. What do you think?


Betta Fish Problems: Extending the Lifespan of Betta Fish 
 
Popular twitter handle @BettaInfo (Betta Fish Care) provides a lot of useful tips about betta fish and their care. On January 16, they posted a link to an article about betta fish lifespan and whether you can extend it with proper care. The article states that the average lifespan for the betta fish is 2 to 3 years, but suggests that there are things that can be done to maximize the lifespan. Betta Fish Care suggests that tank size is a major contributing factor in the health of a betta fish, recommending a minimum of 5 gallons per fish. Water quality and a diet rich in nutrients will help to maximize lifespan as well.
 
The issue of betta fish lifespan has also been discussed on popular betta forum site, BettaFish.com. While recommendations vary from one user to another, most users agree that 12 to 18 months is closer to the standard lifespan for these fish. There is also mention of the fact that you cannot always judge the age of a betta fish when you purchase it from the pet store – one user states that most betta fish sold in pet stores are 4 to 6 months old. You also don’t know what kind of stress the fish has been subjected to at that point which could have weakened his immune system. Being shipped from the breeder to the pet store and then transported home can put a lot of stress and strain on any fish, not just bettas in particular.




New Betta Fish Varieties
 
Aquarium hobbyists have been selectively breeding betta fish since the late 1800s which has resulted in the development of many different colors, patterns, and tail types. In early 2017, the Twitter account Aquarium Talks has been featuring some of the more unique betta fish varieties that have recently become available. Here is an overview of some of the varieties being featured:
  • Half Moon – This type of betta fish tail has a full 180-degree spread when the fish flares its tail, giving it the shape of a half moon or the letter D.
  • Crown Tail – This betta fish variety has spiked fins with rays extending well beyond the fin’s webbing, at least 33% further than the length of the fin webbing.
  • Rose Tail – This is a variation on the half-moon type but the rays of the tail branch more excessively at the ends so that the fin almost folds over itself, looking like the petals of a rose.
  • Double Tail – Betta fish with this tail type have a caudal fin (tail) that is split into two lobes – these fish may also exhibit broad dorsal and anal fins.
  • Delta Tail – This tail type flares out from the caudal peduncle to the fin tips, giving it a fan-like shape – it is very similar to the half-moon variety but with less spread.
  • Spade Tail – This type of tail initially flares upward and downward from the betta’s caudal peduncle and then tapers to a point which makes it look like a spade.
In addition to promoting unique varieties of betta fish, the Aquarium Talks account also advocates for the proper care and treatment of betta fish, recommending a minimum tank size of 5 gallons. They also encourage aquarium hobbyists to perform routine water tests and to avoid overfeeding their betta fish. Aquarium Talks also provides interesting facts about different species of aquarium fish such as the fact that betta fish can come to recognize their owners and can even be taught to perform tricks.
 
Betta fish are beautiful and relatively easy to care for as long as you meet their basic requirements. To learn more about caring for betta fish, try this article about common myths about betta fish or this article about choosing tank mates for your betta.  

comments powered by Disqus
Species Spotlight: The Axolotl
Species Spotlight: The Axolotl
If you are looking for a unique species around which to center your next tank, consider the axolotl.
Cichlid Compatibility: February Week 2 Aquarium Trends
Cichlid Compatibility: February Week 2 Aquarium Trends
In the second week of February 2017, one of the highest trending topics in aquarium-related social media is in regard to cichlid compatibility.

MOST RECENT ARTICLES

Tips for Protecting Your Aquarium Against High Summer Temperatures
TIPS FOR PROTECTING YOUR AQUARIUM AGAINST HIGH SUMMER TEMPERATURES
During the summer months, it may become more of a challenge to keep your aquarium temperature stable.
The Best Barbs for a Large Home Aquarium
THE BEST BARBS FOR A LARGE HOME AQUARIUM
There are many different species of barbs but some of them are better than others for the larger home aquarium.
How to Solve Common Saltwater Tank Problems
HOW TO SOLVE COMMON SALTWATER TANK PROBLEMS
Cultivating a thriving saltwater tank can be a challenge but it is also incredibly rewarding.

Rate This Tank:

AQUARIUM NEWS AND TRENDS

Smart tank technology is the future of the aquarium hobby
Smart tank technology is the future of the aquarium hobby
Modern advances in technology affect every industry - even the aquarium hobby.
The Surprising Health Benefits of a Home Aquarium
The Surprising Health Benefits of a Home Aquarium
In stressful times, having a home aquarium could be a benefit.
Cleaning Your Tank Can Make You Sick
Cleaning Your Tank Can Make You Sick
Cleaning your aquarium is a necessity in order to keep your fish healthy.
Self-Poisoning: A Damaging Defense Mechanism
Self-Poisoning: A Damaging Defense Mechanism
If you have ever brought a group of corydoras catfish home from the store to find that they all died in transport, this article will be incredibly enlightening.
Species Spotlight: The Axolotl
Species Spotlight: The Axolotl
If you are looking for a unique species around which to center your next tank, consider the axolotl.
The Science Behind Behavior: Fish Jumping Out of Tanks
The Science Behind Behavior: Fish Jumping Out of Tanks
Guppies are known, in particular, for jumping out of the tank.
Trending: Jellyfish in the Home Aquarium
Trending: Jellyfish in the Home Aquarium
You have probably seen your fair share of jellyfish in zoo aquariums, but did you know that it is possible to keep these creatures as pets?
Aquarium Hobbyists Help Save 30 Species from Extinction
Aquarium Hobbyists Help Save 30 Species from Extinction
The pet trade gets a bad rap for exploiting wild animals but sometimes the opposite is true.
Trending: Adding LED Moonlights to the Aquarium
Trending: Adding LED Moonlights to the Aquarium
With advances in aquarium lighting technology, you now have the option to add specialized nighttime lighting to your aquarium.
How Has Technology Changed the Aquarium Hobby?
How Has Technology Changed the Aquarium Hobby?
Advances in modern technology have changed the world we live in, but how has it affected the aquarium hobby?
Trending:  Sophisticated Water Quality Monitoring Devices
Trending: Sophisticated Water Quality Monitoring Devices
Testing your aquarium water is a chore that no aquarium hobbyist likes.
Species Spotlight: New Corydoras Catfish Discovered
Species Spotlight: New Corydoras Catfish Discovered
A species of Corydoras catfish that was discovered in the 1990s has finally been officially described and named.
The Oldest Aquarium Fish
The Oldest Aquarium Fish
Some fish are simply going to live longer than others, but what species have the longest lifespans?
Media Reactors - An Innovative Approach to Aquarium Filtration
Media Reactors - An Innovative Approach to Aquarium Filtration
When it comes to aquarium filtration there are many options to choose from.
Aquarium Fish News: Bill Introduced to Limit Aquarium Fish Collecting
Aquarium Fish News: Bill Introduced to Limit Aquarium Fish Collecting
The saltwater aquarium industry takes millions of fish from oceans around the world each year.
Cramped, Boring Environments Lead to Anger in Fish
Cramped, Boring Environments Lead to Anger in Fish
A recent study conducted by a biology professor at Case Western Reserve University reveals that environment size and complexity has a direct impact on aggressive behavior in aquarium fish.
The Bright and Colorful Discus Fish: Spring 2017 Aquarium Trends
The Bright and Colorful Discus Fish: Spring 2017 Aquarium Trends
Discus fish are some of the most brightly colored fish in the animal kingdom.
Betta Fish Trending Topics for January 2017
Betta Fish Trending Topics for January 2017
The betta fish is and will forever be one of the most popular types of aquarium fish.
New Discovery Key to Keeping Pinnatus Batfish
New Discovery Key to Keeping Pinnatus Batfish
The Pinnatus Batfish is one of the most striking species of saltwater aquarium fish, but notoriously difficult to keep in the home aquarium.
Trending:  Nano Tanks More Popular Than Ever
Trending: Nano Tanks More Popular Than Ever
A nano tank is more than just a small fish tank -- it is a compact, self-contained ecosystem.
News: Unique Species to Hit the Market
News: Unique Species to Hit the Market
The new year brings a new wave of unique species to add to your home aquarium.
Study Reveals that Fish May Have Individual Personalities
Study Reveals that Fish May Have Individual Personalities
While some species like Oscars are known for exhibiting dog-like behaviors, a recent study shows that many fish are capable of developing individual personalities.
Aquarium News: Five New Species of Dwarfgobies Discovered
Aquarium News: Five New Species of Dwarfgobies Discovered
Gobies are some of the smallest fish in the world and dwarfgobies are the smallest of those.
Trending: Glow in the Dark Fish
Trending: Glow in the Dark Fish
Glow in the dark fish may not be a new trend but new additions to the market have recently been made -- glow in the dark convict cichlids and angelfish.
Changes in Marine Aquarium Design
Changes in Marine Aquarium Design
The only thing that doesn't change in the world is the fact that things change.
Wireless Aquarium Lighting Solutions
Wireless Aquarium Lighting Solutions
One of the latest developments in aquarium lighting is wireless control of LED systems.
Trending: Compact Aquarium Equipment
Trending: Compact Aquarium Equipment
One of the latest trends in aquarium equipment is compact upgrades.
How Aquarium Trends Affect the World
How Aquarium Trends Affect the World
Trends in the aquarium trade have an effect on more than just aquarium hobbyists -- they can affect the whole world.
Cichlid Compatibility: February Week 2 Aquarium Trends
Cichlid Compatibility: February Week 2 Aquarium Trends
In the second week of February 2017, one of the highest trending topics in aquarium-related social media is in regard to cichlid compatibility.
Your Aquarium Might Not Be as Peaceful as You Think
Your Aquarium Might Not Be as Peaceful as You Think
For many aquarium hobbyists, the aquarium is a source of relaxation and serenity.
Aquascaping the Aquarium: March 2017 Aquarium Trends
Aquascaping the Aquarium: March 2017 Aquarium Trends
The art of decorating a home aquarium is called "aquascaping" and it is a trending topic in aquarium social media this month.
Shrimp in the Home Aquarium: Spring 2017 Aquarium Trends
Shrimp in the Home Aquarium: Spring 2017 Aquarium Trends
If you're looking for a unique way to stock your new tank, give freshwater shrimp a try.
The Top New Coral Species of 2013
The Top New Coral Species of 2013
The saltwater aquarium hobby is ever-changing -- trends and even species come and go.
Innovations in Marine Disease Treatments
Innovations in Marine Disease Treatments
Treating marine aquarium diseases is easier than ever with innovations like medicated frozen fish food.
Newly Discovered Fish Species of 2013
Newly Discovered Fish Species of 2013
New species of plants and animals are being discovered every year.
North American Aquariums Go Green
North American Aquariums Go Green
From recycling and organic farming, sustainability and conservation are two hot trending topics.
News: Lionfish Invasion in the Atlantic
News: Lionfish Invasion in the Atlantic
Lionfish are a very popular species in the marine aquarium hobby but they have begun to threaten native populations in the Atlantic as they spread from their native habitat in the Indo-Pacific.
News: Trade Continues Despite Threatened Conservation Status
News: Trade Continues Despite Threatened Conservation Status
A recent paper published by the Conservation Research Group and the IUCN shows that more than 30 threatened species endemic to India are still being regularly exported, despite their conservation status.
Trending: Colorful Species for the Marine Tank
Trending: Colorful Species for the Marine Tank
Color has always been a main component of the marine tank but these species are keeping the bar high.
Read more articles (39)

READ AQUARIUM ARTICLES