When someone recalls vibrant colors and mesmerizing fish tanks, they almost always consider Plakat Bettas. Such has been the impact of this jaw-dropping creature. While it doesn’t take a master to identify Plakat Betta Fish, among others, it is still up to the experts to tell you what all is needed to pet them.
Originated in parts of Thailand, Vietnam, & Cambodia, these have spread to other parts of the world through petting. The name ‘Plakkat’ is taken from the word ‘Plakad,’ which means ‘biting fish’ in Thailand.
The fight between two bettas can be an incredible show. These fish are so full of vigor that they practically scald each other with their bubbles, and it’s all for the sake of Fish Fighting! Though this combat is a controversial sport in other parts, it is legalized in many Southeast Asian Countries. Guess what’s making fish fights gain more attention this season? You know the answer.
Being a wild fighter in one part of the world, king plakat bettas are no more than a petted fish in other countries, especially in the States. Chances are you have been looking to pet this breed, and quite clearly, you have made the right choice by coming here. Following is a whole lot of information related to this wonderful species. Continue reading to know all about the species.
All about the Plakat Betta Species
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Betta Splendens |
| Other Common Names | Dwarf Betta Fish, Fighting Fish, Betta Fish, Fighter Fish, Siamese Fighting Fish |
| Family | Osphronemidae |
| Origin | Tropical Waters- Cambodia & Thailand |
| Lifespan | 3 to 5 Years |
| Size | Up to Inches |
| Type | Tropical Freshwater Fish |
Summary
Unlike most bettas, Plakat is one breed that has a robust body making it one of the toughest fighters in tanks. Unlike other bettas, these have short fins solely responsible for quick reflexes. While they are kept under the hierarchy of aggressive creatures, these ideally keep their business confined while being fed. Other than that, these do have to be kept at the recommended temperature, hardness, and pH levels.
Talking about the specialties, these are sturdier than most traditional bettas. This gives them the chance to become people’s favorite when it comes to fish fighting. Coming to the trading side, these can either have a suitable tank mate or grace up your tank alone. All you have to do is do a little surfing. Please continue reading to know about the ideal conditions for them.
Appearance
You simply get in awe of the appearance these remarkable fish possess. Unlike other bettas, this breed has slightly shorter fins and robust bodies. When it comes to comparing, a male usually has longer fins than a female plakat betta.
Quick Fact: Because of their shorter fins, plakat bettas are an ideal choice for people taking part in fish fighting. Other betta varieties carrying long fins get prone to injuries. The shorter the fins are, the less likely it is for them to get away from the opponent’s clutch.
Much like the traditional bettas, these also have elongated anal fins, dorsal fins, and pelvic fins depicting a sword-like structure. You might find females with more vibrant colors than males, but their size is usually smaller.
Sticking to the appearance, they are bred in all the colors one can think of – red, green, yellow, orange, metallic and, whatnot. This vivid culmination of colors and designs in the betta family has made plakat betta a supreme hit in the pet trade.
Further, these have designs coming upfront. People around the globe have witnessed galaxy plakat betta, mustard gas plakat betta, dumbo halfmoon betta, to name a few.
Going across live plants in the aquarium, they are sure to have some jaws dropped.
Different Types of Plakat Bettas
The list containing the types of plakat bettas seems to have no end. From plakat double tail betta to veiltail plakat betta, the list contains some astounding forms coming out of special breeding. Some significant choices in demand among people are snakehead and spoon head plakat bettas.
The most popular of all is a giant halfmoon. Its tail has the extensions spreading out, making it look longer.
One step ahead, you get to see double-tailed plakat betta. Delta tails and veiltales mentioned above are a part of this segment. This type of betta has long and flowing fins that are not as large as the halfmoon but larger than those of most other types. The scales on these fish appear to be shiny with some iridescence that gives them a metallic sheen.
Size
These fish are smaller in size when compared to their cousins in the family. An adult plakat gets as lengthy as 3 inches. The size between males and females also differs.
Quick Tip: If you ever see a couple swimming live in a tank, you can easily identify the male by the size. It is usually larger than the female.
Shorter bodies and longer fins aren’t the kind of combination you’d be getting. Getting to the maximum length is not a rapid process. Unlike other bettas, they take a longer period to reach their length, and it still falls between 2 to 3 inches.
What kind of tank size suits them the most? What is an ideal space for one giant fish? Everything is mentioned below.
Life Expectancy
The life of a healthy plakat betta ranges anywhere between 2 to 5 years. Not to forget, these are ideal conditions being set for the species. Any kind of deviation can put a full stop to the expected tenure.
The lifespan of any fish and not just any plakat betta types will depend on the level of care and conditions they are kept in. We do know they fall under the combative note, and this one parameter is sometimes responsible for the short span of this breed. One fight and you see one of the contenders fighting for life.
Apart from this, if your tank has sub-standardized conditions prevailing inside, you can be most sure that your betta or any other fish will not make it to adulthood. Hence, make sure you read the ideal conditions mentioned below carefully and try to maintain them properly.
Characteristics
Summing up the characteristics, this fish has short fins, a sturdy body, and unthinkable possibilities of colors. One prominent feature of it is its aggressive nature, for which it is regarded as a formidable contender in fish fighting.
Much likely to rest on toys and decoration mediums you set in your tank, this freshwater species also enjoy soothing currents coming from one side. Make sure you also have a few hiding spots kept handy for the inactive period. The food ranges from any carnivore item to special betta foods coming in the market.
With sturdy bodies, these can even survive in less ideal conditions; it doesn’t mean one should not do the best one can. While people in Thailand other parts used these as fighters, these have become favorable pets around the globe.
Plakat Betta Male vs Female
Identifying gender is no hard deal in these fish. To begin with, the size of a mature male is relatively larger than a female. Besides this, a specific representation of a matured female plakat would be the belly shape. It is usually on the round side when it carries eggs. Further, sexually active females often have their dorsal fins containing dark patches.
With a relatively larger head and pointed fins, specialists usually observe a male. However, if you go by an expert eye, you can also see an egg spot that gets developed in females between ventral and anal fins.
Much can be formulated with fins again. A female carries round-shaped fins while that of a male look like lace. Reaching maturity, you can also see a male trying to impress a female by spreading their fins, making them look even larger.
Care Instructions for Plakat Betta
| Quick Care Facts | |
|---|---|
| Care Level | Moderate Care Required |
| Social Temperament | Aggressive |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Breeding | Egg Layers. Considered Tough Due To Aggressive Behavior. |
Diet and Feeding:
When it comes to the diet and feeding part, you need to ensure you are neither on the under-feeding side nor over-feeding. With koi plakat bettas, it has to be idealistic conditions of both the tank and supplement. Any high concentration will lead to polluting the water.
The food has to be rich and protein, whether it falls on the carnivore side or not. Special betta food is available in the market, and it can be a suitable choice for your pet. Shrimps, worms, larvae, and flaked foods, all land in the neutral ground for plakats.
Pro Tip: Make sure your plakat betta training is on the point. Since feeding fish the right way at the right time is essential, it is the same and perhaps more necessary for them. We highly recommend that you should try to feed at the exact hour to train them to eat on schedule.
Temperament & Social Behavior
Aggression is the born-identity of plakat bettas. Since they have been trained for fish fighting for years now, the coming generation gears up to be aggressive. However, this does not state that this fish will get into fighting with every tank mate they are put in.
As long as the betta salamander plakat or any other type gets enough space and food, they mind their own business. That is why they are put under the ‘Docile Fishes’ category, meaning they’d be getting socially well with others in the tank.
Breeding
Breeding bettas, like any other aggressive creature, can be tricky. Whether it is a black plakat betta or a blue one, you won’t be getting any signs of mating until you have the couple bonding over time.
Putting it this way, these fish usually bond with their mates at a young age. This bonding makes it easier for breeding, and the new couple requires time to get the connection in the making. A male vs. female plakat betta is not a rosy sight to see if they fail to create a bond.
However, once the breeding starts, the female releases the eggs that get fertilized by males and escorted to the bubble nest created by the male only. Once you get sight of hatching, you should remove the parents from the tank.
Reason: The fry might fall prey to the adults once they come out to swim freely in the tank.
Common Diseases
Although, there is always a hustle to breed the fittest and sturdiest plakat possible. However, this cannot be a statement meaning your plakat won’t be subjected to any disease. The most common of all is fin rotting, which happens due to frequent fluctuations in tank conditions.
Further, you can also see ICH getting developed in bettas. White spots on the body are a clear indication of this disease. Bred for being a tough contender in non-idealistic conditions, these fish still have to be kept at medication on odd occasions, especially when there is fin rot.
However, if you are feeding it protein-rich food and keeping the tank conditions idealistic, your pet won’t be getting in any trouble.
Tank Recommendations
| Quick Tank Facts | |
|---|---|
| Minimum Size | 5 Gallons Per Fish |
| Water Temperature | 70˚F – 80˚F / 22˚C – 28˚C |
| Water Hardness | 5-35 dGH |
| pH Level | 6.0 to 8.0 |
Ideal Tank Size
The ideal tank size for koi plakat betta fish or any other piece from this breed would be around five gallons of water per fish. Store owners selling these fish in bowls and small jars are creating a problem. Inexperienced owners think this size would suffice the rest of their life.
However, this is not the case. An ideal swimming portion has to be dedicated to each fish coming into your aquarium. If one mistakenly barges in the territory of the other, you do know it is an all-aggressive breed. With big tanks, you should also ensure the filtration system that is capable of handling the level.
Tank Setup, Décor, and Plants
These beautiful marine creatures can grace up your already shining tank through their presence. This does not mean you shouldn’t be enhancing the beauty of it. A perfect tank setup would be the ideal size for swimming, of course, live plants, and a few hiding spots for inactive resting.
Some common decorating items would be anubias plant, rock caves, toys, artificial floaters, and specific betta shelves available in the market. If you are thinking of pebbles and marbles, make sure they are soft, as this breed likes to rest on the flat surface.
Pro Tip: We advocate for driftwoods, as they deem to be a fine decorative item for betta splendens.These aid in maintaining the pH level and create an ideal space for resting.
Water Parameters
Although these do not demand extensive parameters to be set, yet there is every possibility that sub-standardized conditions would put its life at risk. Sticking to the norms, you have to set the temperature anywhere between 72˚F to 82˚F. As for the pH level, the range lands anywhere between 6.0 – 8.0.
Further, the hardness should be set at a point that lands between 2dKH to 12dKH. A giant plakat betta’s size might limit to 3 inches, but their sturdiness has no scale measuring it as these can adapt to relatively challenging conditions. However, one should not intentionally ignore if the parameters are being compromised for long.
Compatible Tankmates
The question still stands; are these creatures more hostile than any of its tankmates? Well, the answer is yes, but this doesn’t mean they’d be fighting with every mate coming in. As for having a peaceful time, plakats do tend to suppress their aggression as long as they are fed on time and no other creatures are barging in their space.
Other suitable swimmers could be tetras, mountain minnows, gouramis, barbs, and catfishes. Adding to it, fish that like to stay at the bottom can go well with it since plakat bettas tend to swim on the top while active.
Pro Tip: Having two male plakats together in a small space might not be a good idea. Perhaps, you can go with females if you are to create a community tank. This way, the bonding can also develop at a young age. Again strictly, no aggressive males together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Koi Betta a Plakat Fish?
Though there is no origin pertaining to Koi Bettas of their own, some of these still fall in the plakat betta family. The reason is they are a result of a mutation that involves plakat bettas. Likewise, they carry vivid structures, designs, and colors, and it is one example of it.
Do Plakat Bettas make better pets?
These amazing fish give your eyes the mesmerizing beauty they deserve. They give your water tanks the lively essence it requires. Moreover, they go well with their compatible tankmates. It only goes on to show that they are ideal for petting.
Can Betta Fish Live with Koi Fish?
The answer to this is a strict NO. Koi fishes and bettas fishes have different needs altogether. While betta is a tropical freshwater fish that does require the temperature to be raised, koi fish are restricted to cold water. Also, bettas are more likely to fall prey to the koi.
Which color is the rarest among Betta fish?
Orange holds the topmost position when it comes to finding the rarest color. Instances have been witnessed where orange parents create others that are not orange in color. They are either red or yellow.
How much is the price for Plakat Betta in the United States?
The general cost of these fall between $20 to $50. However, the rare the variant is bred, the costlier it gets.
Final Remarks
Plakat bettas are unique creatures created by nature. They are here to grace up your aquarium. With sound adaptability, toughness, and beauty that never lets an eye blink, we believe it thoroughly deserves a place in your fish tank.
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