How to Buy a Fancy Betta Online

The betta (also spelled beta) fish, or Siamese fighting fish, is a popular and easy-to-care-for pet that comes in a range of colors and fin lengths. The most common betta colors are blue and red, available at nearly every pet store or mega store. There are a lot of varieties and colors available online, however, that you just can't get at the corner pet shop. Want to invest in a beautiful and unusual betta? Go online and deal with a reputable betta breeder.

Instructions

1. Find a reputable dealer. Buying a fish online can be risky if you don't know who you are dealing with. Not only does the Betta Talk website have terrific information about caring for bettas, it also is a recognized breeder. Another site to check out is Ultimate Bettas, which has a forum that includes information on good and bad breeders and online shops. Check this information carefully before making your purchase (see Resources below).

2. 

   Ask your local pet store or aquarium and fish supply store to recommend an online breeder for you. They will know some trusted names in the business and help you make a good choice in betta breeders.

3. Search for bargains. For a less expensive but still beautiful betta, go to the Aquarium Fish website to get some very reasonably priced fish (see Resources below). It has some of the more common varieties but still offers the convenience of having the bettas shipped right to your home.

4. Open the package immediately when it arrives. Your fish will come by FedEx or UPS and will be shipped to you in plastic bags. Look the fish over immediately; they should be lively and have bright color, and their fins should not be torn or damaged. Open the bag to allow fresh oxygen to get in, and prepare to transfer your new additions to their permanent home.

5. Take a photo of the betta if it does not arrive in good condition and contact the seller immediately. A reputable dealer will credit your account for dead arrivals and should work with you to rehab your new baby.

Tips & Warnings

• Look over the seller's website for information on returns or credits for bettas that don't survive the transit. A reputable dealer should be able to get the bettas to you without problems.

• Ask for referrals before you commit to buy from a breeder.

• Fancy bettas are much more expensive than the more common bettas you can get at your corner pet store, so be prepared to take care of your investment.