While betta fish are typically known for their long and flowing fins, some varieties have short fins. The plakat betta is one of them. These short-finned beauties still exhibit the vibrant coloration characteristic of betta fish, but they’re more compact, stronger swimmers, and just as beautiful.
Whether it’s a Black Avatar plakat, a Purple Nemo, or a Yellow Koi Galaxy Halfmoon, each one has its own charm. Honestly, no matter which variety you choose, you’re guaranteed a stunning little fish that will brighten up any tank.
So, what is a plakat betta, and what should you know about these short-finned beauties? In this guide, we’ll explore their history and discuss their requirements for proper care and keeping.
Species Snapshot
· Species Name: Betta splendens
· Common Names: Betta, plakat betta
· Size: Up to 3 inches
· Lifespan: 2-5 years
· Native Distribution: Southeast Asia
Once known as Siamese fighting fish, the plakat betta was one of the most popular varieties used for sport. Their short fins made them less vulnerable than their long-finned cousins, and they were bred to be feisty. Today, however, plakat bettas make stunning display fish with modest tank requirements.
What Do Plakat Bettas Look Like?
Bred from the same species as long-finned bettas (Betta splendens), the plakat betta exhibits the same streamlined body shape. They grow to an average of about 3 inches in length and can live up to 5 years in captivity with proper care.
The plakat betta is easily identified by its short, rounded tail and dorsal fin. These fins have a half-moon-like shape, while the anal fins are more rectangular, coming to a longer point near the tail. Another feature that distinguishes plakat bettas from other varieties is their long ventral fins.
Like other betta fish, such as crowntail bettas, plakats come in a wide range of colors and patterns. Their primary colors are red, blue, orange, yellow, green, turquoise, black, and white, or any combination of these. The marble and koi patterns are particularly common in plakat bettas—these consist of patches and splotches of color on the fins and body.
Plakat Betta Tank Setup
As is true for other betta varieties, the plakat betta is best kept singly. Males can be very territorial and aggressive toward other bettas and fish with similar finnage. Females can sometimes be kept with other community fish, but it depends on the setup.
Your plakat betta is most likely to thrive in a planted tank at least 1 gallon in capacity. Contrary to popular myths about bettas, these fish require clean, well-oxygenated water, which means proper filtration. You’ll also need an aquarium heater because bettas are tropical fish, preferring tank temperatures ranging from 75°F to 80°F.
In terms of décor, try to leave plenty of space for your betta to swim around. While plakat bettas are stronger swimmers than their longer-finned friends, you mustn’t overcrowd the tank with too many live plants or decorations. Your betta will spend most of its time in the upper level of the tank, but might explore some of the decorations down below.
Care Tips for Plakat Betta Fish
Caring for a plakat betta is no different than any other fish. You’ll need to keep the tank clean and the water quality high, and provide a suitable diet to meet your fish’s dietary requirements. Here are some simple tips to properly care for your plakat betta:
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Feed your betta a commercial pellet designed specifically for bettas. Betta fish are carnivorous, so standard fish food, like tropical flakes, might not provide enough protein. Be sure to supplement your betta’s diet with the occasional live or frozen food—they’ll especially enjoy brine shrimp and bloodworms.
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Avoid overfeeding your betta fish. Betta fish don’t require a lot of food, and commercial diets are very nutrient-dense. Follow the feeding recommendations on the package and don’t overfeed your fish—even if it looks like they’re begging.
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Make sure there’s enough water circulation in your tank. Proper circulation is key to keeping the oxygen level in your tank high. With long-finned bettas, it’s important to avoid heavy flow, as they can struggle with the current, but plakat bettas may be able to handle a bit more flow since their fins are short.
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Perform weekly water changes and test your tank water frequently. If you’re keeping a single betta in your tank, you shouldn’t have to worry too much about ammonia spikes as long as you’re not overfeeding. Small weekly water changes are recommended to keep the water quality high and to remove excess nutrients.
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Keep an eye out for signs of disease. Betta fish have become overbred in the aquarium industry and are prone to a number of diseases and anatomical abnormalities. Spend some time monitoring your betta each day so you’ll get a feel for their normal activity level and behavior. If they show signs of illness, you’ll be able to take action quickly.
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Provide some floating plants for your betta. Betta fish breed by building bubble nests at the surface of the water. Even if there isn’t a female in your tank, male plakat bettas may still build bubble nests. Providing some floating plants for them to build their nest around will help your betta enjoy a more natural life.
With proper care and a healthy diet, your plakat betta could enjoy a long life up to five years. Some live even longer! The key is to start with a healthy specimen and to keep your tank conditions stable.
Take your time selecting a plakat betta and don’t be afraid to ask questions of the breeder or store staff. It’s also important to observe the conditions the bettas are kept in before you purchase.
Even if they look healthy, bettas kept in suboptimal conditions could be suffering from an underlying disease that might manifest when you bring them home. It doesn’t hurt to ask the staff what they’re feeding their bettas, either, so you can purchase the same food to minimize any transitional stress for your new betta.
Always be sure to acclimate your betta to their new tank slowly as well. Don’t worry if your betta’s coloration dulls a little at first. Once they get used to their new home and start eating regularly, they should regain their vibrancy.
Wrapping up
So, what is a plakat betta, and what makes them such a delightful addition to any tank? We hope this article has helped you understand how to care for them and appreciate their unique charm. If you have any questions about keeping bettas healthy, feel free to get in touch!