The reality behind keeping Bettas as pets: A critical overview

Bettas, alongside goldfish, stand as one of the most popular pet fish species. Their allure, reflected in their pricing, which varies widely from £8 to £100 in retail, depends largely on their origins and quality. However, the journey these vibrant fish take before becoming a household pet is a tale of economics, ethics, and environmental impact that every prospective betta owner should understand.

The Value Chain of Bettas

Most bettas found in pet stores originate from large-scale wholesalers, who source these fish from breeders or hobbyists. A significant number are imported, adding complexity to their value chain. Remarkably, up to 50% of the retail price covers overheads and profits, with the remaining amount accounting for the actual cost of the fish. For less expensive bettas, imported from abroad, transportation represents a major additional expense. This economic model significantly diminishes the earnings of fish breeders, who sometimes receive as little as £1 per fish.

The Challenges for Breeders

To maintain a viable livelihood, breeders are often compelled to cut costs and ramp up production volumes. This economic pressure leads to substantial losses, as many fish perish during breeding, grow-out phases, and transport. Overbreeding, a byproduct of this production pressure, can lead to market gluts, necessitating the holding or, unfortunately, the culling of older fish. Breeders also resort to culling or releasing imperfect specimens, a practice that is not only cruel but also contributes to environmental degradation through genetic pollution and eutrophication.

The Environmental and Ethical Cost

In an effort to limit damage to the fish, bettas are typically housed in small containers. While this may protect the fish physically, these containers are often too small and require extensive labour to maintain water quality. Water changes are frequent, leading to runoff of nutrient-rich water, which exacerbates pollution issues. Due to labour costs, deceased fish are often left unremoved, further compromising the health of living fish. Moreover, during transport, fish are packaged in small bags and anaesthetised to reduce stress and prevent self-fin nipping.

Misconceptions in Retail

Unwittingly, consumers often purchase bettas under the misconception that they can thrive in small environments, similar to their retail spaces. While these spaces are temporary and often connected to sophisticated recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), they do not reflect an ideal habitat for bettas. As sentient beings, bettas experience fear and pain, and this distress is heightened if males are in constant visual contact with each other, triggering their aggressive instincts.

The Need for Responsible Ownership and Breeding

The plight of bettas in the pet trade has sparked campaigns advocating for a ban on keeping bettas or boycotting their sale. However, a more nuanced approach is possible. It is entirely feasible to breed bettas with sound animal husbandry practices and ensure fair payment across the value chain. Yet, achieving this ethical standard cannot be done at the low price of £8. 

Conclusion

Prospective betta owners must be aware of the complex journey these fish undergo before arriving in pet stores. While keeping a betta can be a rewarding experience, it comes with a responsibility to understand and address the environmental, ethical, and economic aspects inherent in their breeding and sale. By opting for responsibly bred bettas and providing them with suitable living conditions, owners can contribute to a more sustainable and humane approach to pet fish keeping.