Macrostoma Betta

Why are they so expensive?

 

They are probably wild-caught fish, same reason the majority of plecos are so expensive. There are probably no fish farms in Florida breeding them.

 

I thought tank bred were supposed to be more expensive? I saw one pair of bred macrostoma bettas selling for $400 (USD)

 

$400!!!

 

Yep.

 

That's crazy,I guess it is because they are rare.

 

They are close to being on the endangered species list, but, not quite. I suppose that does make them rare. Still, it doesn't fully explain a $400 tag.

 

they're extremely difficult to care for mouthbrooders that like low pH...

Only specialists should try to keep the fish. Requires painfully pure and very soft water(90% RO), with a strong current, filtration over active peat. Large tanks are also advised, the fish can swim extremely fast, and have been known to kill themselves by swimming against the tank glass. Tanks should be covered extremely well, as Betta macrostoma is an excellent jumper, and is susceptible to cold air. Lot's of hideouts, especially floating plants, and very frequent large waterchanges. An UV filter is strongly recommended.

they start at about $80.

 

they're extremely difficult to care for mouthbrooders that like low pH...

Only specialists should try to keep the fish. Requires painfully pure and very soft water(90% RO), with a strong current, filtration over active peat. Large tanks are also advised, the fish can swim extremely fast, and have been known to kill themselves by swimming against the tank glass. Tanks should be covered extremely well, as Betta macrostoma is an excellent jumper, and is susceptible to cold air. Lot's of hideouts, especially floating plants, and very frequent large waterchanges. An UV filter is strongly recommended.

they start at about $80.

Whoa I can practically hear the cha-chings

 

Why is it that all the ones I like are so difficult to keep!?!? :'(

 

Here's a video of spawning macrostoma I"m sure you'll enjoy!

 

I did! thank you.

 

cool vid!

 

So now the question: What kind of Betta should I get?

 

What kind of Betta should I get?

What kind do you like? Most petstores have veiltails, crowntails and some plakats!

Are you in Canada? The last time I was at Big Al's, they had HUGE halfmoons and plakats.

And I had no place to put one.:'(

 

No, I live in Arizona. My LFS said they'd get any thing I'd ask for. But, I've been noticing that everything they have (product wise) is much more expensive than online, even including shipping. With livestock, however, I keep going back and forth with this... do I buy what I CAN see or buy what I WANT online. I really do love those half moons. I don't know what color I want though. I would love three cellophane ladies though. That will be in the 20G later on. I know that the crown tail is the IT thing right now and more expensive, but, I really don't like the frailed look it has. About the plakats, I'd rather get a Macrostoma, but, I am not set up for one of those. Would be nice though.

 

Are you sure you don't want a Plakat? Take a look at these!

 

Yeah. I'm sure. (Especially after seing those pics)

 

Dave if they require so much care i'm glad they are expensive, it will deter a lot of balloon heads buying them! ( BTW I don't mean you Arron!!! im)

 

Very cool! Are they mouthbrooders?

 

SUUUURE you didn't Tazmiche! Don't worry, this balloon head can't afford them either

 

teehee! same here! shame though hey, they are lovely!!

If I had any of my babes breed i'd HAVE to keep my grandfish so imagine the house!!

I think Spot (see below )would make a great Dad, he is soooo gentle.

 

So I saw below, but, all I saw was my keyboard. (no pic)

 

lol, my sig!

 

ah... so... It turns out that anything I pick out is either too expensive, broken, illegal or just plain impossible. Maybe I should try pebbles from outside my house, no lights, all plastic plants, no water and a few good pics of fish. I wonder if I will be able to accomplish THAT much!?

 

you daft sod!

Mind you if you did that with pet pebbles then finrot would not be a problem!! What a cheap hobby!

Get yourself a girl betta! She will only have loving eyes for you and will keep you on your toes!! I think that is the way forward for you!! A BABE betta to keep you in check!


haha, seriously looking at your pic a girly and you seem matched!! she will eat your heart away with her huge eyes!!!!

 

Looking at my pic? What? Is she going to fall inlove with my crest? lol I don't have that anymore.

 

eh?

is that not you in the avatar?

No idea what you mean re chest!!

 

Yes, that is me. Its not cHest, its cRest.

 

crest? ok i'm over tired and confused I guess, off to bed with me ( is 2:30 am here!!)

 

yea, they're one of the mouthbrooders.

Very cool! Are they mouthbrooders?