Plakat Betta Fighter Fish (Female)

The Betta Fish (Betta splendens), also known as the "Siamese Fighting Fish", is a species native to Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

In the aquarium trade they have been selectively bred for their long flowing fins and vast array of different colour morphs; from platinum white, to metallic green, and even purple.

Wild specimens of Betta are much less colourful and have shorter fins.

Plakat Bettas are also known as Short Fin Bettas. They have fins that are shorter and less flowing, often in a "D" shape.

All of our current stock of Female Plakat Bettas are coloured white with blue fins.

Habitat

In the wild, these fish live in rice paddies, floodplains and slow flowing shallow waters.

Bettas are not strong swimmers, so please ensure the water flow of your aquarium isn't too strong.

These fish also have an organ called a "Labyrinth" that allow them to breathe air, so a small gap between the water's surface and the lid of the aquarium is essential.

A comfortable temperature for these fish is between 24°C - 30°C.

Size

Our specimens currently measure approx. 2" / 3.8cm

This species' maximum size typically reaches approx. 2.5" / 6.5cm

Aquarium

Please do not be fooled by the multitude of online videos that claim Bettas can be kept in a small unfiltered bowl. THEY CAN NOT and SHOULD NOT be housed in such conditions. They require a tank of 5 gallons / Approx. 20 Litres at the very minimum.

Include a substrate of soft sand as these fish like to rest on the bottom of the tank. They also appreciate lots of live plants. If you use artificial plants, ensure they are made of a soft material such as silk to avoid damaging these fish's delicate fins.

The tank should be well established to avoid any surprise changes in water parameters that may upset or be otherwise detrimental to the fish.

pH levels should fall between the 6 - 7.5 range.

Behaviour

Female Bettas can be housed in small groups of around 6 - with caution. They are usually peaceful but can be seen bickering amongst each other to establish a hierarchy. This is more common when a new Female has been added to an existing group.

You can house Female Bettas along with a Male.

Aside from the above scenario, Female Betta fish are generally peaceful and can be kept in community aquariums with similar sized fish. Take care not to house with fish that are "fin nippers" as your Betta will most likely become a target. This is less of an issue for Plakat Bettas due to their shorter fins.

These fish tend to "lie down" on either the substrate, plants, or ornaments. Be sure to provide somewhere for your Betta to relax. You can even purchase specialist Betta hammocks!

Feed with meaty frozen food such as bloodworm, brine shrimp, daphnia, or mosquito larvae. They will also eat flake, and specialist Betta flake food is available.

This is a freshwater species - Do not put them in a marine / saltwater aquarium.