Fish

Question
Hi Hilary!How are u?Thank you for taking the time to answer my question!Well,I have a red fighter fish.I got him from the store "Wal-Mart."
He was in a little,tiny cup looking bowl with a lid.Also,there were a couple other red fighter fish there too,in separate little containers.Well,when by mom and I went there,we were not planing on buying a new fish.But,we walked through the pet aisle looking for dog food.Next thing we know were on on our way home a cute little fishy!When we got him,him and his other fish friends were in separate containers full of all kinds of bacteria and germs and it looked like they were all in quite danger.Well,I got the on I got because he looked the most heralthy and energetic one.But sadly,his little friends were still in danger.I am really a true animal lover and I want to know if you can give me some tips on how I can get pet stores like that to keep there animals safe can healthy.Also,can you keep a male red fighter fish in the same small aquarium?If not,what knid of fish can you keep with a red fighter fish,male?Also,do you know how much room a red male fighter fish need in the aquarium  and how oftem do I clean it?One more thing,how can I keep him in really good health,seeming how he was close to death in the store and how often do they sleep?Please just answer what you can!Thank you so much and have a great day!P.S.Please don't put out of my exertise!

Answer
Hi Jazmyn (I LOVE the way you spell your name!)  Congrats on your new little fishie!  Betta (fighter) fish are sooo pretty!
Betta fish absolutely can not be in an aquarium together as they will kill eachother.  Fighter fish are very good community fish with any other fish besides their own kind.  Goldfish, neons (four or more), algea eaters, are the best kinds to put them with.  Bettas are most healthy when having their aquariums cleaned out weekly, and being fed Betta food specially made for bettas.  Freeze dried blood worms are also a wonderful treat that keeps them strong and healthy.
Betta fish do not need a lot of room, and the rule in an aquarium is one fish per inch.  Measuring your aquarium width wide will tell you how many fish will comfortably fit in there.
Pet stores, unfortunately, don't always take very good care of their animals.  I have been trying to "fight for animal's rights" for years, and unfortunately...there aren't that many that will listen.  What you can do is call the Better Business Bureau and let them know what you had seen.  They will have someone go there and check it out and make them change the way they are caring for those fish.
I wish I could be of more help!
If you have any other questions please feel free to ask!
Hilary