"They live in Puddles in the Wild"

Bettas come from rice patties, which are indeed puddles but only part of the year. The rest of the year they are huge areas of very shallow pools and interconnecting puddles. This habitat is not comparable to a small cup. A cup is a nearly sterile environment without the necessary bacteria and plants to break down the fish's waste products. A rice patty is a huge ecosystem capable of handling fish and environmental wastes.

A Betta in a cup is not humane. Even betta breeders keep their fish in quart jugs, at least enough space to turn around and swim a bit. Small containers are also a poor size for a beginner fish keeper, which many first time betta owners are. So if you are thinking of getting a betta, spring for the slightly larger container, and read the care instructions for bettas . They are very easy to care for if you understand their needs.

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