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Babysitting A Betta

August 7, 2012 by still a dreamer

Meet Pipsqueak. She is a female betta, a type of fish sometimes known as Siamese Fighting Fish. But Pipsqueak is a lover, not a fighter.

Each year I watch my neighbors’ pets for a week or two when they go on vacation. Up until now, that has included their 2 cats and their pond fish. As they built a new and much larger pond this year, I am also caring for koi in the pond as well. But my next charge was brought over in a glass vase by the younger daughter, C. It was a betta. Bettas are new to me.

C. gave me instructions to change the water once a week, and gave me food that appeared to me like the pond goldfish food crumbled up with instructions on how often to feed Pipsqueak. Without a filtration system in there and after talking with a friend, I felt a bit concerned. So … me being me … I stopped at Petco and purchased a book on bettas, which will be for C. when she returns, and some food formulated especially for these fish. My suspicion was correct in that the water needs to be changed way more often for that size vase. I had also noticed the small rocks in there had some rough edges which might tear her delicate fins and many cracks which could harbor bacteria. No problem, I have many decorative marbles. And so I read about bettas.

Pipsqueak has already had her second water change, now has safer rounded-edge flat marbles, and a food to suit her needs. She actually has enough room to swim in that vase. I’d probably give her something bigger, go for plants, etc. but she really isn’t my fish. My adjustments are to insure her health and that she’ll be doing well when C. returns. She’s a great kid, about 12 years old, that really does like animals. I think she will be interested to learn what more she can do for her little fish.

Now Pipsqueak … I didn’t know much about bettas, though I’ve never been crazy about any animals kept in small spaces, (and that is different with this fish), but I didn’t expect too much from her personality-wise. Well, has Pipsqueak surprised me! She’s an amazing little fish, watches what I do, comes up to say hello, etc. and otherwise swims about her little “tank.” I keep her with me as much as I can as she is actually quite curious! (Not next to the computer, not in sunlight.) At night, she’s on top of a bookcase where the cats don’t see her.

I am always humbled when I meet and learn about a new kind of animal. Every animal, bird, insect, fish, reptile … has it’s own life, habits, needs and … personality. We rarely give them enough credit for being the amazing creatures they truly are. So I am enjoying Pipsqueak and trying to give her a pleasant time while she’s visiting. It didn’t take long to see … she’s so much more than “just a fish.”

In the wise words of Anatole France,
“Until one has loved an animal a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”

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Posted in Animals, Life | Tagged betta fish, fish | 10 Comments

10 Responses

  1. on August 7, 2012 at 11:13 am Patricia Koelmel

    Great post, Jeanne! And the marbles look terrific. Pipsqueak’s a lucky little Betta.

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    • on August 7, 2012 at 12:21 pm still a dreamer

      And she is really such a cute little girl! (and thanks.)

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  2. on August 7, 2012 at 1:32 pm home, garden, life

    AWWW Jeanne. Pips is enjoying her pampering. You sound like me and bluebirds! D.

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    • on August 7, 2012 at 1:56 pm still a dreamer

      I could really fall in love with just about any animal, and am always happy to help them be happy and healthy.

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  3. on August 9, 2012 at 8:12 am aleafinspringtime

    Hi Jeanne! Pipsqueak 😀 What a sweet little name for a Siamese fighting fish!! We had two of these named Bulan (Moon) and Bintang (Star) but we had to keep them in separate tanks obviously! I really love the quote and have often thought how very true it is. I have yet to meet someone who truly loves animals who isn’t a kind person at heart. Sharon

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    • on August 9, 2012 at 10:09 am still a dreamer

      I agree. Although loving and working with animals can sometimes harden peoples’ hearts when they witness the abuse the humans are capable of. (Not me, but I’ve certainly seen it.)

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  4. on June 30, 2017 at 12:20 am lisakunk

    I’ve always felt sorry for those fish. It’s nice to hear a positive story about it being curious even in that small container. They’re pretty but I don’t think I’d be happy with one looking at me with big eyes saying, “Please, can’t I get into the bathtub and play?”

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    • on June 30, 2017 at 6:14 pm still a dreamer

      I’m with you, but I was surprised to see she had quite a little personality! She particularly liked it when I parked a Willow angel in front of her vase – very exciting! Oddly enough, bettas live in the watery hoof prints of cattle in the mud in Southeast Asia. I felt guilty the whole time I took care of her, but I’ve also heard stories of people giving bettas small tanks and them dying!

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      • on June 30, 2017 at 7:08 pm lisakunk

        Well that her print item is certainly something I’ve never heard of

        LikeLiked by 1 person


        • on July 1, 2017 at 12:52 pm still a dreamer

          Yes, they live in very tiny areas of water in the wild, and of course, when there are two in the same space, will fight to kill. Hard to imagine – they’re so beautiful.

          LikeLiked by 1 person



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