Questions...

[Aranthi]

Today My Mom Bought Me A New Betta. (I'm 14) His Fins & Tail Are Really Nice And Red With Blue Streaks But His Body Is Real Like Kinda Whiteish. Is This His Permanent Color Or Is He Just Real Young? Also I've Seen Pictures A Betta's And There Real Full Looking With There Tails Spread Out And Stuff Are They Full Grown Or Something? Also Whats The Best Stuff To Feed Him?

[abm]

Hi Aranthi, and welcome to Healthy Betta:),
I'm glad you've found us when you and your betta can benefit the most - it's much easier and better to take proper care of your betta from the start than it is to try to make him well later. I hope you'll take the time to use the links above and check out the articles and information on the HB Website - it has all you need to get your betta's life with you started out right:)

As far as color goes, a betta often turns out to be a different color after he's lived with you for awhile than he initially looked in the store, or even after he first came home with you. Depending on where your mom got him, he could be anywhere from 4 months to nearly a year old already. He sounds beautiful!

Bettas can have very different looks depending on their exact breeding - different tail types can make the fish appear very unique. If you got your betta in a pet or chain-type store, he's most likely a veiltail - with long, flowing back and tail fins (like Kelso, in my sig). There are many websites and many links here on the forum to places where you can learn about the tail types. After your betta has gotten settled in, he'll probably start flaring and flashing his fins and you'll get to enjoy seeing him show his stuff:)

Bettas need and enjoy variety in their diet. One of the articles on the HB Website (link above) describes many options. Lots of new betta owners use pellets because they are easily obtainable and easy to feed; this is fine once in a while but if possible do try to vary his diet with some other foods. If you do feed pellets, remember that bettas are little piggies and will literally eat themselves to death and that their stomachs are no bigger than their eyeball - so feed no more than 2-3 pellets per feeding, twice per day.

Enjoy your new friend!