I thought I read they live about 2 years...but I guess it just depends on a lot of things. He seemed really healthy and was very active. Last week, he got somewhat sluggish and then died. It was quick. I didn't even really know anything was wrong. I was also gone at the time and my mom was caring for the fish, but she had done this many times before. Maybe something did go wrong with the water, I don't know. I did cycle the tank in the beginning and I would do about a 25% water change and rinse the substrate and ornaments. I always conditioned and de-chlorinated the water. I was doing everything right to the best of my knowledge. But I'm always willing to learn. I really want to get a larger tank, but I just can't do it right now. I think for now, I'll re-start this tank, get a good testing kit, and see how it goes.

So are ADFs okay being kept by themselves? Or do they need company? Would I be better off just getting another betta or something else that likes to be solitary?