proper care

Question
A woman left work and did not take her fish with her.  The fish is a Beta but with no color, he is just a blah brownish color.  I want to care for him but don't have 'fish' experience.  I'm concerned that his water may be too cool but he has been here for over a year and survived so I guess he is ok.  I changed his food to pellets so I can clean out what he doesn't eat but so far he is refusing the food. (he was on a flaked food before)  Does it just take them a little time to adjust from flake food to pellets?  Also shouldn't he/she have some color??
Thanks

Answer
Hello Pam,
Betta Splendens, or Siamese fighting fish are actually one of the easiest fish to care for. Just make sure he is in a one gallon or larger tank/bowl, the water is between 75-85 degrees F, and that you are feeding him the proper food and cleaning out his water once a week.
Always use tap water dechlorinator, as the chlorine in the tap water is harmful to fish and will burn their gills.
I suggest sticking to the flake food, switching any animal over to a new food too quickly can be upsetting or even cause illness. However, you might slowly transition him to a better flake food, such as Omega One Betta Buffet, which is one of the best betta diets I have come across.
You have access to all you need at most any pet store.

If his color has changed due to prolonged stress, it will take some time to come back.