Betta than Goldfish
Written By Jennifer King Lindley
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The Schools of Fish
While Bettas are charmingly low maintenance, they have given my kids an introduction to the responsibilities of pet ownership. Ethan and Hannah feed them every day, and need reminding that overfeeding can be dangerous. "But they still look hungry!" Ethan often protests, taken in by their greedy-looking upturned mouths. The kids also help me clean out the bowl once or twice a week (it's best to leave the fish in the bowl and replace about half of their water). There's a a reward for our efforts: Frequently changing water keeps fish healthier and more active, makes their colors bloom more vividly, and can encourage a new round of crowd-pleasing bubblenest building.
Almost a year and a half after we brought them home, I am pleased to report our Bettas are still going strong. Bettas may not be as cuddly as our two hamsters: They can not be dressed up in little toilet paper robes. But Ethan and Hannah both like to linger by the tank for a long look into their watery world. Head propped in hands, Hannah stares into the tank and muses, "What are they thinking about?" Good question.
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