Guest Author - Jilly Florio

This book has actually very scant information about casual betta pet ownership, focusing rather on discussions valuable for the breeder/hobbyist. In spite of this caveat, this is a great little betta book - if for nothing more than the fabulous and unusual betta pictures! WOW!

The book opens with a trip down betta history - the careful breeding, the fiercely wagered fighting matches, etc. This is followed with a bit of "care and feeding"...which obviously does not hold the author's attention for long, since we quickly move on to a great series of "koi" - variagated gold and black - betta photos.

The breeder will learn lots of tips from the award-winning betta breeder's insights. Following and documenting the "butterfly trait" is one such topic - brilliantly captured in dozens of full color shots.

The rare "albino trait story" is told, from the perspective of the author's re-discovery and subsequent loss of the strain. Anyone who knows about the betta albino situation will appreciate the author's first-hand account.

Advanced topics like judging and showing bettas are also nicely presented. What do the judges look for? How are points awarded? How are show fish presented? At press time, I have not found this information presented in any other betta care book.

The near-obligatory betta breeding and fry rearing hints are here, but at least there are plenty of photographs for every step along the way. Non-breeders (ie - typical pet betta parents) will enjoy seeing the mating process so clearly documented.

Don't pick this book up for disease and treatment tips - barely half a page is devoted to disease. I DO appreciate their emphasis on prevention (ie - clean water, proper temperatures and a good diet)and observation being the best treatment for betta illness.

Rather, just get this book to excite yourself about the possibilities of great color variations from responsible and knowledgable breeding. The author has been one of the top breeders in his field and helped make the betta collecting hobby as exciting as it is today.

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