TulsaPets Magazine November 2022

38 TulsaPets • November / December 2022 WE ARE IN NEED OF VOLUNTEERS! Therapetics is a Tulsa-based non-profit that also serves the greater Oklahoma area. We focus on training Mobility and PTSD service dogs for individuals living with disabilities and Veterans and First Responders with PTSD. Volunteers are the heart of Therapetics! We are currently in need of puppy trainers/ raisers and puppy sitters. Anyone aged 14 and up can train a service dog. Therapetics will provide all training tools, equipment, and food for the dogs. 918-270-4226 http://therapetics.org/ 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! This healthy white male betta with long, flowing fins swims around gracefully.