Assorted Male Fancy Half Moon Plakat Betta 5cm - Select

Assorted Male Fancy Half Moon Plakat Betta - Select

The Half Moon Plakat Betta, often referred to as the HMPK betta is quite easily one of the most popular of all the strains now available in the aquarium hobby. These fish have a closer resemblance to the wild betta splendens as they do not have the large, extravagant fins seen in more developed betta strains. The fancy half-moon plakat bettas were amongst the first betta strains to have been developed in the world and still have a woeful array of colours. 

Though the HMPK betta lacks the long, flowing fins that bettas are known for these days, they still offer a wonderful display with their spade-like tail fin that truly down looks like the shape of a developing moon. Their more natural fins make the HMPK betta far more athletic and active in the aquarium which offers hours of fun as fish can be observed swimming around the aquarium without getting tired of potentially poor functioning fins. Aside from their streamlined 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, it can often be a pleasantly painful experience trying to select a colour from this array which is why the assorted option offered by the LiveFish team is sort of like a betta lucky dip. 

Betta in general has 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 a spacious environment relative to their max size of 5 - 6 cm. The second common misconception is that they are aquarium terrors which will kill every fish on sight. Though male fighters are aggressive to other males and potentially aggressive in a tight environment, in a standard 60L aquarium they can be kept with other community fish. 

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

Tank Recommendations for your Assorted Fancy Male Half-moon Plakat Betta

HMPK betta max out at around the 5 - 6 cm mark and are quite active and flashy fish which is why they would be great in a nano aquarium with a minimum volume of 35 L, in this aquarium volume it is better that they are kept alone or with tank mates that do not occupy the same part of the aquarium that the HMPK betta does as these fish can be slightly territorial. In a larger aquarium setting, thank mates can be easily considered with not much concern. 

The substrate of the aquarium is not too much of a concern however HMPK betta 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. Additional hardscape materials like rocks and driftwood can also be added to further make a more natural environment. One amazing tip is to keep these fish against a dark background as this will really enhance their colours. 

Suitable Tank Buddies

Half Moon Plakat fighters are relatively peaceful fish however they can show slightly territorial behavior in smaller aquariums. They can still be bullied or pestered by fin nipping tank mates which should be avoided as well. They do not however fall into the same constraints of needing to be kept with slow tank mates as other long fin betta types as these HMPK bettas are apt swimmers. 

Usually Compatible

Small tetras rummy nose, corydora, khuli loaches, and similar small community fish. 

Sometime Compatible

dwarf cichlids such as Bolivian rams, or Apistogramma which may show aggression or species such as giant danios, torpedo barbs or Congo tetras which might outcompete the HMPK betta for food.

Rarely Compatible 

Shrimp, other male betta, tiger barbs and larger species such as Uaru which will certainly outcompete the smaller betta. 

Feeding your Assorted Fancy Male Half-moon Plakat Betta
HMPK betta 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.