A pet store favorite, the betta fish has been a popular pet for over 150 years. These fish make good beginner aquarium fish because they can be kept on their own, are very colorful, and tend to provide a good show as they puff up at their own reflections.

If you’ve been looking for an easy pet that doesn’t require a lot of maintenance, the betta is an excellent companion, and a great beginning pet for kids as well. Here’s what you need to know before getting one.

Betta Bowls Are Too Small

The tiny cups bettas are sold in and the half gallon or even smaller “tanks” labeled for bettas imply that bettas should be kept in a small space. Bettas can be shipped this way because they have the ability to breathe air, a trick that allows them to survive in stagnant waters.

Thriving and surviving however, are two different things. Bettas need a minimum of a 5 gallon habitat to be comfortable, as well as to make keeping their tank clean practical. The bigger the tank is, the less often you’ll need to clean it, and the easier care will be.

Bettas are tropical fish

Since most of the bowls and tanks sold specifically for bettas are too small for a heater, they are often not available. Bettas love temperatures between 76F and 84F. Most room temperatures fall well below this, leaving the fish feeling quite cold. They become pale and sluggish, sitting at the bottom or just at the top with clamped fins.

A simple heater is often enough to make them brighten up and swagger around the tank again, and also helps reduce the chance of them getting ill.

Bettas like to play

Unlike many other types of fish, bettas can learn to recognize their owner. They can also learn how to do simple tricks, and can be “clicker trained” using a flash light as a reinforcer instead of a click. They also enjoy following someone’s finger around the tank, and can be very personable animals.

If you’ve been looking for a fun pet that doesn’t require a lot of upkeep, a betta is a wonderful pet to start with.