my oldest current betta. i got him last year, but i'm sure he was on his last year or two. he wasn't my first choice of bettas. in fact, i honestly didn't like any of the bettas they had that day, but something made me pick him up and buy him. he lived in a one gallon at first, then i was fussed at and told a one gallon was too small. to me, it didn't LOOK too small. it was just right. he bubble nested better than any betta, and guarded his nest fiercely. he was a rebel, flaring at me whenever i'd walk by. he even flared at sounds! after i upgraded to a 2 gallon KK, his fins grew massive. long, flowing fins that would make any HM jealous. he even sported a change of color, gaining white on his top fin to make it a beautiful light blue, and red on his bottom fin.
he also gained what i call his girlfriend. he flirted with my late CT girl, Freya, and never grew angry with her like he did other bettas. she, too, never flared at him, but instead the moment she'd see him, she'd sport the breeding bars. after she died, i saw a change in his personality. he grew almost bitter with the world. he'd get violent if he saw another betta, going as far as to ram the side of his tank, so he had to be out of the view of any bettas. if it was a female he could see, he'd flare, then totally ignore her. so, he graced my dresser, with Lulu and Chappy Belle, instead of my table with Ichi and Theo.
when he got bloat, i was heartbroken. i tried everything i could to help him. i was happy when it went down! when he showed he was sinky, i knew something was wrong. i didn't know what to do to help him, so i made him comfortable. i lessened his water level, an changed it every other day. still, he kept getting worse and worse. when i noticed his tank was stinky after a day, i knew something was wrong. then, he stopped eating. i knew it wouldn't be long. i fed him anyways, out of hope, but had to scoop out just as many pellets as i fed him. i talked to him, telling him how proud he made me, how sorry i was that i couldn't help him, and promised him that when he decided it was time, i'd bury him near Freya. i kept a watch, almost fearful of finding him dead. days past, and i'd tell him that when he was ready, it was fine. that i'd rather him pass on, than suffer the way he was.
then, today, when i woke up, i found him on his side. i wiggled his tank, but didn't see his fins twitch. and knew he was gone. it breaks my heart, to see Massive Cup, looking so small. he was clamped, and thin. i'm used to seeing him with his fins spread wide, fat from his food. he really looks the part of a frail old man.
so, RIP, my beautiful Cup. i wish i'd been able to spend more time with you. you were the best betta anyone could ever ask for. i'll miss you alot.
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