How much do betta's cost and does a small container work ,about 8inch wide 4 inchs high work?

Answers:
For a beginning fish keeper I would suggest you use a 2.5 gallon tank with a filter and heater for a betta. Not because you can't keep them in less, but because to do so requires a lot of work and a real eye for the potential hazards that the smaller unfiltered container can bring.

The container you mention is most likely too small for comfort. It really depends on the missing third dimension.

A well cared for betta can easily live 5 years and sometimes as much as 7.

Cost in my area is about the same as others have suggested $3-5US for typical pet shop variety males.

MM

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around 2.99 or 3.99 if you want the crown tail.

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bettas are usually under 4 dollars. crowntails are about 6 here. i have gotten really nice ones for really cheap -- just shop around. a wide container is better than a tall container. it should work fine. some bettas are jumpers so you might want to consider a top. usually the larger the container the livelier the fish is. i use 2 1/2 gallon aquariums and they work well.

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depends on where you find them to buy as to how much they cost the females are usually cheaper than the males. males can only go alone, but you can put females together depending on how much tank room you give them.

a healthy well cared for betta should live 2 to 3 years and will grow up to 3 inches. i have not found any betta site that has recommended anything less than a 3 gallon tank minimum for them. I have 5 beautiful females living in a 10 gallon with a small filter and heater and plenty of decor. the tank is gorgeous, the fish are gorgeous in the tank, all in all a much nicer and humane set up for a betta than a tiny glass or jar.

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about $5. those dimensions sound fine. just remeber to drain 1/3 of the tank and refill it every 3 mo.

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I would say for a betta, don't go any smaller than 1 gallon. 5 gallons would be best. Just because they can survive in small areas doesn't mean this is how they should be kept. But they are awesome little fish, and will entertain you.
Also, partial water changes should be done at least weekly, or more if the water gets dirty.

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Betta fish cost about $5 each. I think the container will work properly.