The Betta Handbook

by Robert J. Goldstein

Bettas, sometimes known as fighting fish, are tropical Asian varieties having spectacular waving tails and fins. They�re available in a wide range of colors. This Pet Handbook gives expert guidance on the selection and care of bettas, plus advice on segregating them from less pugnacious fish. Barron�s Pet Handbooks are written by breeders, trainers, and veterinarians, they present expert advice on feeding, health care, housing, breeding, and all other important aspects of pet care. They are filled with vivid color photos and instructive line art.

Genres: Animals, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published August 1, 2004

About the author

Robert Goldstein is an avid fisherman who has spent his life studying the sea. He is known in fishing circles nationwide for his lively wit and tireless enthusiasm for fishing. In addition to Pier Fishing in North Carolina, he is the author of numerous other books and magazine articles ranging from seafood recipes to studies of fish migrations.

Goldstein and his wife, Joyce, reside in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he is president of his own environmental consulting firm, Robert J. Goldstein and Associates.

- John F. Blair Publisher

Reviews

[Ill D · Rating 1 out of 5]

As far as handbooks go, this one is unbelievably bad. Clearly written by someone whose first language is not English, bad writing (despite an impressive PH. D. credential) unsurprisingly finds itself wedded to an equally dismal level of organization. Compounded by know-how that is dated at best and obsolete at worst, this published fossil should remain on the Library shelf indefinitely.

[Rena Sherwood · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am trying to work out which would be a worse scenario -- the world being taken over by zombies or the world being taken over by fish geeks.

After reading The Betta Handbook I'm thinking it's fish geeks.

I mean, think about it. We live in a zombie culture. If you find a zombie shuffling and moaning towards you, you know what to do. Fire up the old chain saw and lower your tolerance for personal hygiene. But what do you do if your town is overrun by fish geeks?


No -- I don't know, either.

I think this book was written in English. I'm not entirely sure. There is a glossary but that's no freakin' help as it only lists a fraction of the words used in fish geekese. For example, Goldstein assumes that any good owner of a betta would travel to Thailand the native country of these feisty fish.


By the way, if you want to learn how to take care of a betta fish (as advertised on the back blurb) forget it. At one point, Goldstein recommends raising a type of worm as food for bettas but then adds that the WORMS COULD EAT THROUGH THE FISH'S STOMACH.

Isn't that THE EXACT OPPOSITE of feeding your fish correctly?

On the other hand, if you want to read something that gets you drowsy enough to fall asleep, then this is the book for you. Incredibly confusing fishgeekese with a few pretty pictures. Sleep tight. Don't let the fish stomach eating worms bite.

[Sydney More · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fairly comprehensive guide to raising and breeding Bettas, including diet, habitat, disease and genetics. This book helped me to understand the needs of my pet and to create a healthy system of care for my little guy.

[Alissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was alright, but it went into far too much detail to understand in most parts. The best parts to read were the introductions to each topic. You need to be a scholar to understand the rest.