Thanks, that means a lot to me because it tells me I did the right thing by rescuing him. :) He's really a character and it's so cute to watch him flutter his fins when he sees someone walk by. He also likes to hide in a little cave with just his nose poking out. Even my parents like to come visit him and watch him flutter and scoot around.

I personally think what you are doing for that little guy is amazing -- major kudos to you! The fact that he has someone that loves him that much despite his handicap shows a true lover of the betta! I actually hadn't even considered the possibility of one surviving with a handicap, so you have opened my eyes!

Regarding your pic comment about my handicap betta: I purchased him like that. I originally thought it was severe SBD or starvation but as he got better, his back stayed all hunched over like that and he couldn't swim, he'd scoot or flutter along like a little ghost. I fretted so much about whether or not it was cruel to keep him alive but he really has done so well. He's in a shallow tank with a gallon of water and he has lots of plants that he perches in like a little bird. He even tries to blow bubblenests. I'll keep my little guy as long as he can get around in his funny, fluttering way, but if he ever gets sick I don't want him to suffer.