Whenever I’m asked “Are betta fish good for kids?” or “Are betta fish good for beginners?”, I sometimes feel like I want to point the person asking in a different direction for the answer. Well, that’s a loaded question if I’ve ever heard one! There is definitely no easy “yes or no” answer for that kind of question. Everybody is different and therefore every kid is different. I know quite a few adults who betta fish aren’t “good” for.
It all depends on the person involved in taking care of the betta. That person might end up being you! Owning a betta fish carries the same weight of responsibility as owning any other domesticated animal. If you are a parent reading this, you have to ask yourself if your child has shown that he/she is really up to the task of caring for a betta fish for an extended amount of time.
Sure, anybody will be more likely to be greatly involved in taking care of a betta fish as soon as you bring it home from the pet store. After the honeymoon period is over though… do you think your child, and you as a backup betta caregiver, are up to the task of caring for the betta for years to come?
Owning a betta fish can also be a great way of teaching responsibility to any young guppy!
Domesticated Betta fish live, on average, between 2-6 years. To refine that vague number down a bit, personal experience has taught that 3-5 years is average for a betta fish if you are experienced. Even if you are an experienced betta owner, seeing your fish grow long in tooth has quite a bit to do with your betta’s own physical makeup. All betta’s aren’t created equal.
In general though, betta fish can make great pets for kids. Betta’s can be fairly easy to care for by anybody willing to learn the basics. Owning a betta fish can also be a great way of teaching responsibility to any young guppy!
What a pretty Betta fishy!
One of the great things about betta fish and children is that betta’s are pretty. Pretty, meaning that they are really interesting to look at and watch swim around. Kids aren’t often bored with caring for a betta fish because betta’s have very interesting “personalities”, if I may.
Betta’s don’t just swim in their tanks, but rather they dance! Bettas make a show of their daily activities by darting from bottom to top to hidey spot (hey, that rhymed!). Compared to your average minnow, guppy or goldfish, betta fish are beyond entertaining. This keeps the kids interested in them even after years. You too to boot!
Kids aren’t often bored with caring for a betta fish because betta’s have very interesting “personalities”
Compared to other types of common freshwater fish, bettas are relatively clean housekeepers. Yes, there is still going to be your own regular tank maintenance routine, but they don’t seem to dirty their tanks as bad as a goldfish would. This is a big plus for the older caretaker of the younger caretaker of the betta fish!
Betta’s are a pretty hardy fish. If the aquarium is set up properly and cleaned often, betta’s don’t just survive, but rather they thrive! That makes for fun feeding experiences and close to no medical fees. Betta’s do get sick, but even at their worse, there are easy to follow guides that will help you and your child get them “all better” in no time.
Cheap is Betta…
Saving, what many would consider,the best for last is that bettas are pretty cheap to buy and care for. This compared to a different species of typical house pet. Betta fish are, on average, about ten bucks at the pet store. A 2.5 gallon aquarium, betta food pellets and water conditioner will set you back about $35. Betta fish and complete basic tank set up can be as low as under $50 out the door.
All things considered, betta fish make excellent pets for kids!
So now, are betta fish good for beginners? And past that, are betta fish good for kids? All things considered, betta fish make excellent pets for kids and beginners alike! As with anything pertaining to children though, the end responsibility does fall on the person responsible for the child wanting to accept that responsibility. Owning a betta fish is a fantastic way of teaching kids how to be responsible in a way that doesn’t even have to feel like “learning”. That’s always a big plus for the older caretaker of younger caretakers…!a