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Freshwater fishBlack Dragonscale Plakat Fighter Betta
Black Dragonscale Plakat Fighter Betta
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Plakat is short for Plakat Thung, which means "fighter fish" in Thai. Plakats were once a specific wild breed, but now this term is used in general for larger round tail bettas. Round tail bettas tend to be more aggressive, and the fighter strain is not only more aggressive but also a bit larger than other Betta splendens variations.
The most "true fighter" strain is black, but round tail plakat bettas come in all colors.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Betta splendens |
| Origin | Thailand (captive-bred) |
| Care Level | Easy, good for beginners |
| Temperament | Males fight each other; peaceful toward most other fish |
| Adult Size | Up to 3" |
| Lifespan | 3–5 years |
| Diet | Carnivore (meaty foods) |
| Water Temperature | 76–82°F (needs a heater) |
| pH | 6.5–7.5 |
| Breathes Air | Yes – labyrinth fish take air from the surface |
| Shipping Size | Approx. 2" |
Care Guide
Tank setup: Give him a heater (bettas are tropical fish), a gentle filter and live or silk plants. Plakats are active swimmers and like room to patrol. Keep a lid on the tank and leave a gap of air under it, since bettas breathe from the surface.
Feeding: Feed a few betta pellets or a pinch of flake once or twice a day. Bettas overeat easily, so small meals are best. They also enjoy frozen bloodworms.
Tankmates: Never keep two male bettas together. Plakats are among the boldest bettas, so they do best alone or with sturdy, peaceful fish like corydoras and snails. Avoid fin-nippers and other labyrinth fish.
Good to know: Short-finned plakats are strong, fast swimmers and the closest to the original fighting fish, so they are usually the most aggressive bettas. Keep them on their own or with sturdy, peaceful tankmates.
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