FCCP Plakat Betta - Betta splendens #7

FCCP Plakat Betta (Betta splendens)

The FCCP Plakat Betta, Betta splendens, is a captive-bred short-finned Siamese Fighting Fish form selected for strong colour, compact finnage and confident display behaviour. Plakat Bettas have shorter fins than many ornamental Betta types, giving them a more natural, athletic look and making them strong swimmers. They are intelligent, interactive and highly territorial fish, best kept as a single feature specimen in a mature heated aquarium with gentle filtration, surface access and calm surroundings.

Common Name:
FCCP Plakat Betta, Plakat Betta, Shortfin Betta, Siamese Fighting Fish, Betta.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Betta splendens
Captive-bred ornamental Plakat strain.

Maximum Size:
Usually around 6–7 cm.

Water Type:
Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The FCCP Plakat form is captive-bred and does not occur as a wild population. Wild Betta splendens are native to Southeast Asia, especially the Mekong basin and surrounding lowland habitats, where they live in warm, shallow, slow-moving or still waters such as marshes, rice fields, ditches, ponds and vegetated margins. They are labyrinth fish, meaning they breathe atmospheric air from the surface.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–28°C
pH Range: 6.0–8.0
Hardness or Salinity: Soft to moderately hard freshwater; stable, warm water is more important than chasing extremes.

Temperament:
Semi-aggressive and territorial. Male Bettas must not be kept together, and most Plakat males are especially assertive due to their shorter fins and stronger swimming ability. They are best kept singly. Some individuals can live with carefully chosen peaceful tank mates, but many are better as a single display fish.

Diet:
Carnivorous micro-predator. Offer high-quality Betta pellets, small floating granules, frozen bloodworm, daphnia, brineshrimp, cyclops, mosquito larvae and occasional live foods. Feed small portions and avoid overfeeding, as Bettas can become bloated if given too much rich food.

Minimum Tank Size:
A minimum of 25 litres is recommended for a single Betta, with 40 litres or more preferred. A heated, filtered aquarium is strongly recommended rather than an unheated bowl or vase.

Behaviour & Activity:
A confident surface-orientated fish that patrols its territory, interacts with its surroundings and regularly visits the surface to breathe air. Males may flare their gill covers and fins when displaying. Plakat Bettas are often more active than long-finned forms and appreciate open swimming space as well as resting areas near the surface.

Aquarium Category:
Semi-Aggressive
Best kept as a single feature fish. Possible tank mates in larger aquariums may include peaceful snails, larger Amano shrimp with caution, small calm rasboras or Corydoras-type catfish, but compatibility depends heavily on the individual Betta. Avoid other male Bettas, female Bettas unless breeding under controlled conditions, fin-nipping fish, guppies, gouramis, brightly coloured rivals, aggressive fish and tiny shrimp.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Provide a heater, gentle filtration, floating plants, broad-leaved plants, shaded areas and easy access to the surface. Avoid strong current, sharp decor and cold rooms. A secure lid is important, as Bettas can jump, and the air above the water should remain warm and humid. Do not house males together. For breeding, males build bubble nests and guard the eggs, but breeding should only be attempted with suitable conditioning, space and separation plans.

Suitable for:
Beginner to intermediate fishkeepers

Availability:
Occasional in trade / Captive-bred ornamental strain

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.