OkcPets Magazine November 2022

36 OKC Pets • November / December 2022 YOUR LOCAL VETERINARIAN IN NORMAN, OK Dr. Jennifer Schoonover • Dr. Blythe Knickmeyer Dr. David Morales • Dr. Pali Stallings • Dr. BeccaWhite 107 Vicksburg Ave. • Norman, OK 73071 405.364.2197 • www.soonervet.net Tender Loving Care from the Heart of HistoricGuthrie DR. JENNIFER SCHOONOVER DR. DAVID MORALES 405-282-8796 123 W. HARRISON GUTHRIE, OK 73044 WWW.GUTHRIEPET.NET wide, flowing fins. If he has a dull color or is keeping his fins tight to his sides, this is a good indication that he isn’t feeling well. A happy betta fish should also be rela- tively active. Although any household pet is likely to spend a fair amount of time lounging, a happy betta will also spend time swimming, exploring his surround- ings, observing activities taking place out- side the tank, and creating bubble nests. He should also have a healthy appetite. If your betta is unusually lethargic or is not eating, something might be wrong. If you do notice strange behavior from your betta, it’s time to double-check what is happening inside your tank. Use strips to test the pH levels and the levels of nitrite and nitrate in the tank. The pH levels should be 6.5 to 7.5. If pH levels are off, change the water and add tap water conditioned with pH water treatment, available for purchase at most pet stores. Nitrate should be between zero to 40 ppm, and nitrite levels, the more dangerous of the two, should be zero. If any of the levels are out of those ranges, a 50 percent to 80 percent water change is needed. If those levels are all right, check to see whether the filter needs to be changed, and check the water temperature to be sure the heater is still working. It’s also possible that your betta is experiencing constipation because bettas tend to be aggressive eaters and often eat too much. If you suspect constipation is the culprit, try offering your betta a little less food at feeding time and avoid giving treats until you see signs of improvement. Consider a Tank Mate Bettas are not called the “Siamese fighting fish” for nothing. Male bettas are most- ly solitary creatures who will attack any showy, brightly colored fish that resembles another male betta. However, that doesn’t mean they can’t get along with anyone. There are several docile species that can share a tank with your betta friend. Some recommended tank mates for bettas are snails and ghost shrimp. Both of those species dwell at the bottom of the tank away from the betta’s preferred area. They are interesting for your betta to watch but are not disruptive to his space. Even better, those species consume food remnants off the aquarium floor, making for a cleaner tank. Another recommended tank mate who performs that cleanup service is the kuhli loach. These eel-like animals grow to three to five inches and are an interesting addi- tion to any aquarium. Tank mates to avoid are any fish with flashy, bright colors, fish that are bigger than your betta, or fin nippers. Some species you definitely do not want to pair with your betta are angelfish, neon tetras, goldfish, puffers, red-tailed sharks, cich- lids, and other male bettas. It can be intimidating to learn the ins and outs of betta care, and it isn’t for everyone. However, as long as you do the research and prioritize your betta’s happiness, you will be rewarded with an active betta who will show you his unique personality and hopefully live a long fishy life!