No, not a duel to the death or even a prime time fight. Lots of people want to know which of these two fish is the best "starter fish" for a child (or themselves). The answer is "It depends on what you want".
Both can live in a bowl or an aquarium. Both can live alone. For the Betta this is essential (most of the time). Both require weekly water changes, water conditioner or dechlorinator, and daily feedings.
If you want lots of movement: choose a goldfish
If you want a variety of colors to choose from, you want a Betta fish
If you like live plants, so will these fish. The goldfish will devour live plants, the Betta will nibble on and hide in them.
If you want to perform more water changes, get goldfish. They are messier and the ammonia they produce can kill them, if you don't change their water every 5-7 days.
Betta fish live alone. The only exception is the female, which in groups of three, with lots of plants can usually live in harmony. When a male Betta blows tiny bubbles to create a nest, only then is it safe to try introducing a female. Bettas can live with some other fish in a tropical community tank. Just no other fish with big fancy fins. Neon tetras (and many others) are OK.
For everything you wanted to know about keeping and breeding Betta fish see BettaTalk.com. What she doesn't know, isn't worth knowing.
Goldfish can only live with other goldfish -- they produce more ammonia than other fish, and they will nip and bump other fish. Besides, neon tetras look like a good snack to a goldfish.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Betta versus Goldfish
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
Love your blog!
I say go with the goldfish but I'm a goldfish lover so have to go with my fish. :)
No really people should get what they want, there both great beginner fish for people starting off in the hobby. In my opinion I find goldfish more hardy but again that's just my thoughts.
Like you blog, will come back to read more.
Sincerely,
Jamie Boyle
The Goldfish Guy
Goldfish Care Information
I really think a betta fish is better first I got a goldfish set it up perfectly and it didn't wan't to eat and died after a day. Then I got a betta and it is still alive betta's are a lot stronger and last longer if your lucky in a bowl they could last for years I just bought it and it's amazing
Sorry to hear about your goldfish experience. The thing is you probably bought a sick goldfish from the pet store to begin with. Before people buy goldfish they should really look out for any signs or symptoms of diseases and parasites. If you see a dirty tank or dead fish in there avoid buying fish from that tank.
Goldfish are a very hardy fish and have been known to withstand very undesirable situations. You just had bad luck with one I bet if you tried again you would have better luck. I know I have never had bettas before but they must be hardy if they can live in a glass jar with no filter and air. In my opinion no fish should be in such situations as the water chemistry can change quickly but that is how people buy them at pet stores. They must be hardy then :)
Well best of luck with your betta and try goldfish again sometime, you might just have better luck.
Sincerely,
Jamie Boyle
The Goldfish Guy
Goldfish Care Information
Post a Comment