Can I keep my Betta in a bowl

The sub forum dedicated to one of the most incredible fish in our hobby. Betta ask your questions in here!
reelmein
Posts: 2
Joined: Mon Aug 12, 2024 10:10 am

Re: Can I keep my Betta in a bowl

Post by reelmein »

stormer4 wrote: Sat May 24, 2025 9:09 am I kept mine in a bowl for a year and he was fine. Just sayin'. But yeah, bigger is probably better if you can swing it.
Just because your fish survived doesn't mean it was happy. Bettas in proper tanks live longer and show more natural behaviors.
russety
Posts: 3
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 9:06 pm

Re: Can I keep my Betta in a bowl

Post by russety »

I've seen bettas in bowls at pet stores, but that doesn't mean it's right. They're stuck in tiny cups there too. Doesn't make it okay for long-term care.
deepdive
Posts: 3
Joined: Wed Sep 14, 2022 5:49 am

Re: Can I keep my Betta in a bowl

Post by deepdive »

Bowls lack surface area for gas exchange, which is crucial for bettas. They're labyrinth fish and need access to the surface to breathe. A tank with a wide footprint is way better.
Vespera
Posts: 2
Joined: Tue Aug 09, 2022 9:11 pm

Re: Can I keep my Betta in a bowl

Post by Vespera »

I'm new to this, but even I can see bowls aren't great. My betta's in a 10-gallon now and he's way more active than when he was in a bowl.
EmmyJay
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 5:57 pm

Re: Can I keep my Betta in a bowl

Post by EmmyJay »

Bowls are a bad vibe for bettas. They need space, heat, and filtration. Period.
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