Older bettas are truly a joy. Many show fish have relatively short lives because of their power-packed schedule. Lots of shipping and water changes are very stressful, which in turn can lead to shorter total life. However, you can't say that they didn't live a full one!

As a breeder, I have quite a few fish. Nevertheless, I like to think that all of them are special. I keep records on their spawn dates, occasionally update their files with pictures, check them over them carefully with a bright light once every couple of days, and spend too much time doting over them at feeding time. I couldn't tell you exactly how many I have, but I could probably describe each one of them if you blindfolded me and then put my hand on their tank.

I do have favorites. My favorite fish by far was my pineapple traditional plakat. He didn't really have a name...nothing seemed to really fit for very long. I think I settled on Armando for a while. But he was just "The One" and had a special place right next to my bedside.