Male Plakat Hellboy S. Betta 4cm

Male Plakat Hellboy S. Betta

The Hellboy Plakat betta is quite easily one of the most stunning strains now available in the aquarium hobby. These fish have such a deep red body with beautiful accents of blue which creates a great showpiece fish. These betta sports have a closer resemblance to the wild betta splendens in body shape as they do not have the large, extravagant fins seen in more developed betta strains. The Hellboy Plakat bettas will be a true showstopper in any smaller display aquarium. Though the hellboy betta lacks the long, flowing fins that bettas are known for these days, they easily beat them with their colours.

The deep, saturated, blood-red colour across the body coupled with the accents of blue through the back and tail creates a fantastic display. Based on genetics the tail can also show a star-like pattern but what’s a really fun aspect of these fish is how their level of blue and patterning can change as they age. Their more natural fins make the Hellboy betta far more athletic and active in the aquarium which offers hours of fun. 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 a spacious environment relative to their max size of 5-6cm.

The second common misconception is that they are aquarium terrors that will kill every fish in sight. Though male fighters are aggressive to other males and potentially aggressive in tight environments, in a standard 60L aquarium they can be kept with other community fish. They are also 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. Bettas are naturally found in the waterways of Southeast Asia.

Tank Recommendations for your Male Plakat Hellboy S.Betta
Hellboy Betta maxes out at around the 5 - 6 cm mark and is quite an active and flashy fish which is why they would be great in a nano aquarium with a minimum volume of 35L, 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 Hellboy 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 Hellboy 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
Hellboy fighters are a relatively peaceful fish however they can show slightly territorial behaviour 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 like other long fin betta types as these hellboy betta 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 Hellboy Betta for food.

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

Feeding your Male Plakat Hellboy S.Betta
Hellboy 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 flakes, 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.