Betta fish should no longer be sold in pet store chains because the current retail model all but guarantees neglect, suffering, and premature death for an animal that is far more fragile and complex than it is marketed to be. Bettas are tropical fish that require stable, heated, and properly filtered environments; even small temperature fluctuations can cause severe stress, illness, organ damage, and death. Yet they are routinely displayed and sold in tiny, unheated cups that deprive them of adequate space, water quality, and oxygenation, falsely reinforcing the myth that they can survive in stagnant, decorative containers. This not only misleads buyers but sets both the fish and the owner up for failure. Unlike impulse purchases encouraged by colorful displays and low price tags, acquiring a betta should involve responsible sourcing through specialized breeders or regulated distributors, paired with mandatory education or certification demonstrating that the purchaser understands tank size requirements, water cycling, temperature control, enrichment, and long-term care needs. Removing bettas from mass retail environments would significantly reduce neglect driven by misinformation and impulse buying, and would help ensure these highly sensitive, intelligent animals are placed only in homes prepared to meet their biological and environmental needs.