Have been drawn into the wonderful world of Betta fish and starting my search for my very first one. Met a really helpful and enthusiastic fellow at a local family owned pet shop yesterday. We discussed Betta's at length and I mentioned that I had seen some spectacular half moons online and in videos. He had only one left at the time - a gorgeous winter white with pale pink, baby blue and aqua irridescent scales. However, he was in QT as he is under the weather and clearly marked 'not for sale' I asked about him and the young man went on to say that it is a young fish and the full colours had not yet come in. He is being treated currently and when he is healed and healthy he will again be up for sale this was enough for me to take notice in that the store actually cares about their animals. I will be going back in 2 weeks to see some new hand picked ones and see if 'old man winter white' is still there.

Here are some from the dealer that supplies the store:
I would be thrilled to find something similar to any of these stunners!

Omg they are so pretty it would be great if you had one.

ROTFLMFO!!! #6  I was so surprised to see what is available in town here. Granted these are all premium grade shapes and colours but WOW.

Some questions about caring for them. Do they require a cycled system or can you just set everything up, treat your water and toss them in the aquarium? The food seems straight forward. The guy at the store told me the coolest story of how his male (surrounded by several females) builds fabulous bubble nests to impress the ladies which is so amazing!

Also I just found this blog with some rather funny cartoons about this person's betta named Bela in case you're interested in a wee laugh, I howled but it could be that half ounce of voddy *hic

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Sweet! Pick one that will be nice to you
They had several lovely bettas at the shop when I picked Bruce, but he was the most loving one, and he seemed to appreciate my company the most He's peeking at me from time to time from inside his castle right now

Hahaha I'm glad you liked them fantailer   a had to scroll down to see others but they are pretty funny. I like the one where the Betta evolves overnight and tampers with the coffee machine and asks it's owner if it is suffering from fin rot during a heat wave.  LMAO!!! The blogger has quite a sense of humor  

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Indeed Nossie, this is how I've always done it - let the animal choose me

Bettas are amazing fish. Mine used to come to the top of the water when I put my finger on the surface coz it knew it was going to get fed. And I'd notice it watching me from it's tank. They are great fun!!