Female Betta Plakat 4cm

Female Betta Plakat

The allure of fighting fish often comes from their extravagant display of flowing fins which is why they are one of the most globally recognised fish. They have been in the aquarium industry since the late 1800s which shows just how incredibly popular, they are. Because of their star status, there are now hundreds of colour and genetic variations now available in the aquarium hobby however the female plakat fighter fish sticks true to its wild ancestry and will be awesome fish to pair with a male to breed.

Often referred to the plakat, the short fin fighting fish are far more athletic and as a result more active. It was from wild plakat fighters that the longer fin varieties we know and love today to exist. Though the display of fins is far shorter, these fish make up for it with their personality, body shape and colours. They have the classic long betta body shape with a very crisp aesthetic to the fins that almost look they are hooked with sharp points. The half-moon shaped tail and dorsal fin along with the extended ventral fin really show off the streamline and almost wild look these fighting fish have. They make for an amazing, personality filled display fish in a small desktop aquarium and tick all the boxes that a beginner aquarists may want.

Aside from their streamline structure the colours of this fish are almost like a random selection from a rainbow. They can range in blues, reds, blacks, whites, yellows and the list continues. The thing to keep in mind is that the vibrancy in females is not the same in male plakat bettas however they make up for it in temperament and absolute adorableness.

Betta in general have developed a few false reputations, the first being that they can thrive in incredibly small environments like vases and jugs which is not true. Much like any aquarium fish they need proper filtration and spacious environment relative to their max size of 5 - 6 cm. The second common misconception is that they are aquarium terrors that will kill every fish in sight. Females are far less aggressive than male bettas and can even get along in betta sorority-type environments. in a standard 35 - 70L aquarium they can be kept with other community fish too.

They are also hardy tropical fish that can be kept in temperatures between 24-28 and make for a fun breeding project due to the challenge of continuing the male and female to breed and raising the fry. Betta fish are naturally found in the waterways of Southeast Asia.

Tank Recommendations for your Female Betta Plakat

Female betta plakat max out at around 5 - 6 cm mark and are surprisingly active and flashy fish which is why they would be great in a nano aquarium with a minimum volume of 35 L. They will however be a great centrepiece fish in larger peaceful aquariums with smaller fish. The substrate of the aquarium is not too much of a concern however short-fin fighters will love a well-planted aquarium. This allows them to contrast amazingly against the bright plants but also gives them a place of refuge to hide as well.

Suitable Tank Buddies

Short fin fighters are a relatively peaceful fish and because they do not have overly extravagant fins, they are very athletic and can compete with faster-moving tank mates. Though these fighting fish are peaceful they can at times be territorial which is why larger aquariums are better. They do at times have the rare risk of chasing down tank mates with ease due to their streamline structure and causing unwanted stress, so it is best asses the behaviour of your individual fish when it is added to the aquarium and the following few days.

Usually Compatible

Small tetras such as embers along with corydoras, loaches, and similar peaceful fish

Sometime Compatible

dwarf cichlids such as Bolivian rams, or apistogramma which may show aggression or fast-moving species such as giant danios, torpedo barbs or black widow tetras which might be too fast and outcompete the short fin betta.

Rarely Compatible

Shrimp, other male betta, and fin-nipping species.

Feeding your Female Betta Plakat

female betta plakat fish are incredibly easy to feed. They take to a wide range of foods and should have a varied diet for optimal health, going them a range of flake, pellets, frozen, and live foods will not only make them thrive but also show off amazing colours. Because of their mostly top-dwelling nature, they should be given foods that readily float for them to eat easily. Feeding should occur once a day and it is best to do so when the lights are on during the day.