Is there a way to determine how old a betta is?

[small fry]

Hello!

There is a really cute betta that I have seen at my walmart. He is a VT older than 3 months, but that is all I can tell.

Is there a way to look at the betta that can determine approximately how old the betta is? Back arches, color fades, facial features? I just want to know about how old the betta is. I like to get bettas between 3 months and 1 year old, as they have such a sort life-expectancy.

Thanks!

[bloo97]

Size is what I look for. It isn't purely accruate, because there are very small bettas. But the smaller they are, (Usually) the younger they are.

[small fry]

This one is about as big as Tony. That doesn't really help that much because I don't know how old Tony is.

As far as size estimation, I would say he is between 7 months and 2 1/2 years old. That sure is a wide range.

I might just have to go with size estimation. I am not around bettas that I know the age of, so this method wouldn't be as accurate for me as it would be for others.

Thanks for the suggestion.

[MrVampire181]

Most pet store bettas are between 6 and 8 months. Also energy is another one. Young bettas, even at cold temps (my jarred buggers swim all day even though room temp is like 65 degrees, but I raised it to 80F with one of those little heaters hehe) are nothing but a ball of energy. Young bettas can flare and swim all day long.