Does my betta look healthy?

This is Plato, whom I believe is a male veiltale betta from what I’ve researched. I love Plato with every fiber in my being, but because I’m new to fish owning, I’m kind of clueless. For reference, Plato is in a bowl of 2.5-2.8 gallons which I know is small for bettas, but I couldn’t go much bigger because I’m living in a dorm. That aside, Plato has a filtration system in the bowl which creates a slight current at the surface of the water, which doesn’t push him around much due to adjustments I’ve made. Additionally, I turn the filter off for about 10 minutes every morning while he eats. I made sure to dechlorinate the water and use some of the initial water when moving him from cup to bowl. Plato is active, he swims up to see me, and eats readily, sometimes he seems to short bursts of swimming around the bowl but I have no real frame of reference as to if he’s hurting or if he’s just playful (though his other behaviors indicate he’s fine). My biggest concern is the color he is, my friend told me if he was male then I should be worried about how pale he is, but he seems okay? I’ve had him for about two weeks and if anything his color seems a little brighter but I’m not sure. I plan to get a moss ball for him soon just in case but any advice/insight would be appreciated.

 

If he is eating and showing normal behaviors, then he is healthy. Also, don't dorm rooms require a maximum tank size of at least 10 gallons?

 

He looks perfectly fine and healthy. Bettas come in a range of colors and his coloration is normal.

 

If he is eating and showing normal behaviors, then he is healthy. Also, don't dorm rooms require a maximum tank size of at least 10 gallons?

It’s something like that but I’ll also be moving the tank between home and the dorm so until I find more permanent residence (and don’t have my mom harping at me that bettas don’t need that much room) I’m going to try and keep him in a smaller tank. Of course if he starts showing signs of being stressed, then I’ll consider upgrading his tank early.

 

He looks healthy to me! If you want advice I will give you some. I would add a heater . Bettas prefer minimum of 76 degrees. Ideally 78-80. If/when you can upgrade his tank, I recommend something that is not round. It can distort their vision which can make it a bit stressful. All dorms are different and some only allow 2.5g of water. Some do not even allow pets. His coloring is really nice IMO. Just his color, does not mean he is pale in an unhealthy way. I will say tho if you get him a heater his colors may become more vibrant. I am a college student too so I understand budget. Petsmart has a great 5.5g tank. Comes with the filter, hood, light, and thermometer. I Put the filter on the slow flow and add a sponge around the intake. Perfect flow for my guy. Also since the tank has only been set up and running for 2 weeks, it is not cycled yet. Since you are doing a fish in cycle do it very carefully so ammonia does not spike too high. If it does he could get sick/fin rot/ possible death is ammonia gets that high. I also recommend 40% water changes 2x a week for a 2.5g tank. I hope this info helped. I think he is a really nice looking fish!