New Betta from Walmart

[shinitakin]

Hello everyone, my parent just came home today and surprised me with a Betta fish from Walmart.

I've read that Walmart and other chain stores don't do a great job with their animals, and unfortunately, I don't know too much about fish either. So I was hoping that someone could tell me if my fish looks alright or if there are any glaring issues.

Thanks so much!

[DoctorWhoLuver]

He looks fine; although a bit clamped up. Very pretty :) My Raxacoricafallapatorius (Rax) looks almost exactly like him :)

[shinitakin]

Ah alright! That is a relief to hear. I was worried he might be sick or such, but he seems a lot more active now in the bowl than in the original carrying container.

Sorry, I'm not entirely sure what "clamped" entails. Could someone kindly explain to me?

Just a quick question, will my fish potentially jump out of the bowl if there isn't something covering the top? I don't have it filled with water all the way to the brim, but I'm not entirely sure how high they jump.

[SinX7]

Awesome! You will do a great job! Just do your research and ask questions on thing you don't know. Rather be safe then sorry!

Also I would recommend something:
5 Gallon tank (But I prefer 10 minimum cause I like to give my fish freedom and space to move around)
A Heater! Must!
Filter (AquaClear is a great filter IMO)
Thermometer
Decorations (Aquarium and fish safe)
Pellet food for betta's!
Some treat (Blood worms for example)
Live or Silk plants! (Avoid plastic. I learned that the hard way)
Water conditioner.

Any questions feel free to ask or look around the forums to learn more! :D I learned a lot in the past 2-3 weeks!

[DoctorWhoLuver]

"Clamped" is when they hold their fins tight to their bodies and don't open them up.
Like this: (not my picture; a random one off google XD )
I don't think your bettas clamped up too much. As long as he has no other signs of illness he should be fine.

He could jump out of the bowl. Bettas are known to be excellent jumpers, but it varies from fish to fish. :)

[shinitakin]

@DoctorWhoLuver:

Oh okay. I see now; will his clamped fins... unclamp eventually with better water conditions and such?

And alright, when I'm not around I'll try to find a lid to keep on top.

---

@SinX7:

I'm going to go out shopping tomorrow so I'll try to get the heater and a larger tank for him.

Should I be alternating between pellets and the "treats" food every other day then?

Thanks so much for your help, guys!

[BeautifulBetta123]

He looks like Magic lol. He actually looks pretty good slightly clamped but pretty boy. I hope for the best!

[shinitakin]

Yes, thank you so much! I'm hoping for the best too!

Oh and I had forgotten earlier, how long can betta fish live in a 1 gal fish bowl until they outgrow it? He was just such a surprise that I am not ready at all, goodness.

[sainthogan]

Originally Posted by shinitakin

And alright, when I'm not around I'll try to find a lid to keep on top.

!

Please, please, please keep a lid on it all times, even when you're around. Bettas are excellent jumpers and will jump for any reason at all - bad water conditions, "oh, a bug!", "yikes! something scared me!", "I wonder what's over there?", etc.
My girl jumped out of her tank through a half inch hole in lid while I was home, and fell about 4 feet to the ground. She was out of the water for at least a half an hour before I found her. She is ok, but I can't imagine what would have happened if it had been longer So please, please, please, get a lid.

[shinitakin]

Oh that's terrible! Thank you for warning me.

Would maybe a cardboard sheet with holes punched in it suffice or should I be looking for something sturdier?