Isnt this cruel?????

Question

i was at petland and there was a betta tank that looked like this http://www.crayfishguy.com/eBaykanda/OhBetta-medium.jpg

its not the same thing, but thats what it looked like.

i also saw at petland a lionfish http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/images/education/isolated_lionfish_sm.jpg

but was a small lionfish, but still. theyre poisonous and they are supposed to live in the free ocean.

and i also saw at petland a small stingray, like a foot long not including the tail.it was by itself in, id say a 50 gallon tank? stingrays and lionfish live in the huge ocean with other stingrays and lionfish, not at petstores where anyone can buy them. and a poor betta shouldnt have its whole life in a tube shaped tank. i think all three of these things are cruel. what do you think?

Answer 1

As "neat" as that tank may look, that is mean for a fish, it would never live long in that.

Answer 2

Its cruel!

Answer 3

1.  That "tank" is just not right.  For one it doesn't provide decent swimming room.  Second, Bettas need a large surface area.  Third, Bettas should have at least a 2 1/2 gallon heated tank.  Notice there's no room for a heater.  Unless room temp is above 76 F, they aren't at their best.  78-82 F is best.

These tanks are at best decorative betta killers and money makers for the manufacturers and stores where they're sold.  Worse than keeping the Betta in a 1/2 gallon, even 1 quart container.  And, I definitely don't recommend that.

2.  I know of at least one species of "freshwater lionfish".  However, check the below site and see if this fish is similar to what you saw. *  You may need to try to enlarge the photo for a good view.

3.  There are species of fresh water stingrays**, with the largest being found in the Bang Pakong River in Thailand.  ***  In some states fws's are illegal to keep.

Answer 4

well the betta tank is cruel because its small oxygen through the little hole. but the lionfish and strimgray is common in some stores, but i think only adults can buy it and i think the store makes them sign a deal or agree to take responsiblity and not blame the store.

Answer 5

very cruel. glad to see other people see this to. now try to come up with a solution to stop it.

Answer 6

That does seem extremely cruel! The poor betta doesn't have a whole lot of room to swim around in and the poor thing only has two options on where to go. The lionfish and the stingray are terrible too. They need to be in salt water. Perhaps there is some way you could start some kind of petition to let them loose?

Answer 7

Yes, that "tank" is essentially a death trap.  Unfortunately, most companies are more interested in making money than in animal welfare.

As for keeping lionfish and stingrays, if properly cared for they can live long healthy lives in aquariums.

Answer 8

The Betta tank that you gave the link for is cruel...I agree totally..I think as for the stingray and the lion fish, they should be viewed in their natural habitat, or Museum Aquariums. Hopefully those who purchase these beautiful water critters have the tanks that are needed to accommodate them. I think that trying to domesticate the stingray and lion fish is wrong, but people pay big money for these guys, and unfortunately, in some cases big money speaks louder than big hearts.