Goldfish & Beta Fish As Pets... Plus A Funny Fish Story

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A blue fish with a funny name... I was reading Jenn's blog the other day, and I noticed her posts about two different fish they have (or had): "Punkin Head" and "Indiana Jones".

The blue one reminded me of the fish my mom got "for Karly to enjoy"...


Beta fish. These beautiful blue fish must not be mixed with each other or with other fish in a container because they are meat eaters. Place a single fish in one bowl, and do the same as with a goldfish, only feed it protein instead of bread crumbs. Slice raw, low-fat meat (not ground beef) in small amounts to feed.
-- Source: HGTV: Caring for Small Pets


Questions I Have...

Karly pointing to her fish in the fishbowl.After admiring Karly's fish in the fish bowl, I found myself wondering:
  • Does a fish mind only having a tiny amount of water to move around in?
  • How do they feel about people tapping on the glass?
  • They don't live very long in a bowl do they?
  • How much of a pain is cleaning that bowl anyway?

Then, I found these interesting answers to almost all of my thought-provoking fish questions:

Do fish feel pain?

Do fish drink water?

A blue fish swimming in a fishbowl with a plant. Can a Beta fish be in a tank with bubbles?

How long do fish live?

Do fish sleep?

Do fish hear?

How do you keep a fish bowl from smelling like fish?

Do fish really only have a 3-second memory?

What are some tips for choosing the right goldfish?

Caring for Betta Fish

Meet Albert, the world's smartest goldfish


Fast-forward to the funny part...


When we were at my mom's visiting for Christmas, we all went out to eat.

During the meal, Karly frequently talked about her fish (whom she'd affectionately named "Blue Boy" -- cuz he's blue, duh!)

So, when we are in the car heading home I deside to strike up a conversation with Karly about her fish.

I asked her:

Karly proud of her  blue fish.

"Are you excited to go home and see Blue Balls?"

Whoops!

To which she replied, "No... It's Blue Boy, silly!"

She's 3.

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12 Comments

Sanjay said:

Does a fish mind only having a tiny amount of water to move around in

elizabeth said:

Hi J Bullivant,

It sounds to me that your fish is likely suffering from a swim bladder problem. There are many diseases that can cause this. Sometimes it is due to constipation. It is especially common in some of the fancy breeds that have a rounder body shape, although any gold fish can be susceptible to swim bladder problems. Ask your local pet store about possible medications. I have lost a couple fish to this so it would be best to give the fish prompt medical attention. Good luck.

J. Bullivant said:

I have a pair of fancy tail goldfish named Smith & Wesson. My question is; Is it normal for fish (Wesson) to sleep upside down? It scares me when she does that. She does not appear to be in any distress. Sometimes when she dives she shoots right back to the top like a raft had just been deployed. Funniest thing I have ever seen. Normal at all? Thank you for any insight.

balton said:

Who wrote this article, a second grader? Where did you get your misinformation? I agree with these guys. ALL FISH NEED FILTRATION!! Even bettas and goldfish. Also, don't feed slices of meat. They need fish food designed with the proper vitamins and nutrients for them to thrive. Folks, do NOT believe this article.

Mman said:

Goldfish (Carassius auratus) and Bettas (Betta splendens) can be kept in bowls, but they will live short lives. A mature goldfish would prefer a pond. Bettas could live happily in a 20 gallon for life. Neither need slices of meat. Different variety of pellets and sometimes vegetation.

Lynnette said:

Hey thanks to all you betta fish experts out there who've taken the time to share some helpful information! Much appreciated.

Cenecker said:

Agree with all above comments. Keeping goldfish in bowls is ANIMAL CRUELTY. Bettas are slightly more suited to life in bowls but it's still tragic to stuff such a magnificent animal into a bowl. ALL fish need at least a 10 gallon aquarium, an adequete filtration system and frequent (at least weekly) partial water changes.

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