I also wanted to mention to you that, although we don't keep 2 male bettas together in the same tank because of their naturally territorialness, it is an excellent idea to have 2 bettas but in separate tanks and set the 2 tanks right next to each other so the betta boys can see each other. They respond to one another and keep each other company. It's amazing. If you only have one betta fish they seem to get lonely. But if you have 2 each in his own separate tank but they can be next to each other - if you observe them over time they become friends and watch each other and develop a routine together of swimming around and around and although at first they flare at each other many times - it is surprising and wonderful and touching how they come to depend on each other being there and they apparently know each other. Of course, don't be fooled into thinking you can ever put them together in the same tank. They still have their instincts. But, you will see them blowing bubble nests more often (this means they are happy) when they have a little betta friend next door. It's really something nice to experience. You should really get a couple of Betta fish. You'll love them and they'll love you and your child. You just have to read and be prepared for them and keep them healthy by taking good care of them and keeping their water clean and at the right temperature and correct pH and feed them betta food and a variety of betta food in the correct amounts every day - and well, it seems like a lot at first - but it really is not - once you read and prepare and understand and start doing it. It is a wonderful, amazing, fulfilling journey to have fish as pets. It is definitely a labor of love that needs a whole family to take care of them. You know, sometimes, you need a family member to take care of your fish when you go on vacation, for example, you know? So, if you raise your 4-year-old to love to take care of fish as pets, you give your child a lovely gift that keeps on giving to him his or her whole life. Like with everything with children, you have to make it fun, though, right? So, for a 4-year-old you have to make the decision of how much responsibility to give - but my guess is that you must take care of the fish completely and have the child there with you when you do it. In order to teach your child you have to learn about it first, right? Reading is one of the best ways to start - this is also a good example to your child. First books and magazines for children encourage early love of books and reading good things which is another invaluable gift t give our children that serves them well for the rest of their lives in so many different applications. There are also many wonderful childrens' books and picture books for little kids about fish. You can see some of them in some of my articles about fish care here on bellaonline.com. They are in ads from Amazon.com at the bottom of the fish care articles.
