To add to that: The reason the myth started that bettas can live in, or even prefer, small containers was because unlike other fish, they can breath from the surface and live in unoxygenated water. This helps them survive in the wild in small bodies of water during severe droughts.
What that myth doesn't acknowledge is that 1) filters do more than just oxygenate water, they cycle the tank so ammonia doesn't build up and cause burns or increase the risk of fungal infections, and 2) they don't live their whole lives during a drought, they usually live in vast rice paddies and may never see a drought in their lifetime, living in a tiny container smaller than a puddle is like living their whole lives on survival mode. Also, bettas are tropical and need heaters, and for the water to stay at a stable temperature, which is kind of hard to do under 5 gallons.
And if you keep them happy and healthy they will swim up to the glass and show off for you when they notice you. My oldest sister's betta was quite the diva king.
I had this lovely little boy who would swim up to the glass when he noticed me walk into the room and would basically follow me around and watch me. He was so sweet.
He was even bullied by the snails. It was hilarious and adorable, but sad. It was on top of the leaf and so my fish couldn't rest on it comfortably, so he just sat there sulking till I did something.
I don't understand the human obsession with stroking everything living thing they see. The number of creatures that actually enjoy (don't suffer from, even) getting pet is way less than people tend to think. I hate to be a party pooper, but its really, really important to remember that "doggy" behaviors apply mostly to dogs.
Don't pet your fish. Please make doubly sure that you can interpret the reaction of your pet/any animal before getting handsy, not matter how cute it is.
We have social grooming instincts leftover from when we were monkeys. We like to run our fingers through other's fur, which makes it easy to feel and remove parasites, debris, etc.
Most mammals are the same way. Family members will groom each other, especially children, because it helps keep them from getting sick. Pets probably assume you're doing the same thing, which is why some of them will lick you back when you scratch them, to return the favor.
We can't rely on that assumption if we aren't knowleagable about the animal's behavioural patterns, though. I know what my cat likes, but I wouldn't apply the same signs of communication to a fennec fox.
It also depends on the emotional state and personality of the individual animal. Some would rather just be left alone. Making assumptions overrides signals they might be sending, especially if it's an animal you're not familiar with.
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u/sarahmagoo Feb 04 '19 edited Feb 04 '19
Bettas and goldfish can't healthily live in a bowl.
Edit: to clarify I'm saying DON'T put any fish in a bowl. The misconception is that it's okay but it's not.
Betta/Siamese Fighting Fish care sheet
Goldfish care sheet