Seven Fish Myth Busters Prove Bettas Make Great Pets

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- In an effort to clear up confusion around the often-misunderstood Betta fish, Petco offers myth busters and free educational events to demonstrate why Bettas can be one of the most exciting pets a child can have. Though commonly referred to as "fighting fish," these Southeast Asia natives are low-maintenance pets that show off their individual personalities through their vibrant colors and friendly gestures.

On February 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., children 6- to 12-years-old are invited to Petco's Amazing Aquatics Event to learn about the amazing lives of Betta fish and how they make great first pets for kids.

Below are some insightful myth busters about fish that prove Bettas make great pets for kids and adults, alike.

• Myth #1: Fish need a lot of room to swim. Bettas may actually fare better in a smaller bowl because they don't like a current. They prefer stagnant water because it mimics their natural habitat in rice paddies.
• Myth #2: Fish cannot breath oxygen. This is true for most fish, but Bettas have labyrinth organs that allow them to breath oxygen, which is why they can be kept in smaller habitats. They can gulp air, rather use their gills, because they are labyrinth fish, which also helps them survive in dirty puddles. 
• Myth #3: Some fish can't share a tank with other fish. Keeping more than one Betta in a fish tank should be avoided, but Bettas can actually be in the same tank with other nonaggressive fish such as neon tetras and guppies.
• Myth #4: A fish floating on its side is never a good thing. Not for Bettas! Bettas will often float on their side and lay motionless at times because they are native to shallow bodies of water.
• Myth #5: Fish require frequent tank cleanings. Some fish need fresh water more often than others. Bettas only need about 25-50 percent of new, fresh water added to its tank every week or so. However, Petco recommends frequent water changes for pet Betta fish.
• Myth #6: Goldfish are the perfect "starter" fish. Actually, Bettas are known to be one of the best kinds of fish to start with. Many people see goldfish as the perfect starter fish, but a recent study shows that 85 percent of the people in the aquarium trade got started with a Betta.
• Myth #7: Fish cannot show emotion. Betta fish have plenty of emotion to show off! Some Betta fish owners even say they are greeted by their Betta fish as they approach its fish bowl, because they have the ability to recognize faces.

There is plenty more to learn about Betta fish at the free, family-friendly Amazing Aquatics Event taking place at all Petco locations nationwide. Attendees will have the opportunity to find their Betta personality and design their Betta fish tank to reflect it. Participants will also receive free activity books with aquatic tips and inspiring ideas for new Betta fish parents.

For more information, please contact your nearest Petco location or visit www.petco.com/kids.

About Petco and the Petco Foundation
Petco is a leading pet specialty retailer that focuses on nurturing the powerful relationship between people and pets. We do this by providing the products, services, advice and experiences that keep pets physically fit, mentally alert, socially engaged and emotionally happy. Everything we do is guided by our vision for Healthier Pets. Happier People. Better World. We operate more than 1,300 Petco locations across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, including more than 100 Unleashed by Petco locations, a smaller format neighborhood shop; nine Pooch Hotel destinations for pet daycare, boarding and spa services; and petco.com. The Petco Foundation, an independent nonprofit organization, has raised more than $125 million since it was created in 1999 to help promote and improve the welfare of companion animals. In conjunction with the Foundation, we work with and support thousands of local animal welfare groups across the country and, through in-store adoption events, help find homes for more than 350,000 animals every year.

CONTACT: Julie Willis, 619-501-2756, jwillis@west­pr.com

SOURCE Petco