AboutAmber Worman Expertise I specialize in Gouramis, Black Moors, Fantail goldfish, and Bettas. I can answer questions about fish behavior, tank mates, diseases, and living conditions. I do not have much experience with breeding these types of fish, however.
Experience Fish are my passion - I have raised these types of fish for as long as I can remember. I am a college student at Purdue University where I have a major in Biology and a position as a lab technician in a fish laboratory.
Question I am interested in getting a betta fish. I wish to keep it in a bowl, preferably 2 gallons or more. I've read that they are very sensitive to temperature and it is highly recommended that you purchase a heater. However I have also read that many people simply keep it in a bowl without a large tank or heater and have no problems. What do you suggest?
Answer Hello Ally-
If you want a betta that lives for its entire lifespan and does more than float around the top of the tank, you'll want to buy a heater and give your betta the best home you can. While a betta can sometimes survive room temperature water, they will hardly move and will just float in one spot. Healthy bettas are very active and will swim all over the place and can live for up to 5 years, while bettas that are freezing cold will just sit in one spot and will die after a few months to a year.
Personally, I think it's worth the extra money to see your pet happy and healthy. :)
