Giant Plakat Female - Instore Pick Up Only
Description: The Giant Plakat Female Betta is a striking freshwater fish admired for its impressive size, vibrant colouration, and short, powerful fins. A selectively bred variety of the Siamese Fighting Fish, Giant Plakat females combine the robust build of Giant Bettas with the active swimming ability of the traditional Plakat form, making them an attractive and engaging addition to the home aquarium. Unlike their long-finned counterparts, Giant Plakat Females are strong, confident swimmers that are less prone to fin damage. Their bold personalities and wide range of colours make them a popular choice for aquarists seeking a hardy and eye-catching feature fish. Quick Facts Common Name: Giant Plakat Female Betta Scientific Name: Betta splendens Family: Osphronemidae Origin: Captive-bred (original species native to Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam) Care Level: Easy Temperament: Semi-aggressive Diet: Carnivore Minimum Tank Size: 40 litres Adult Size: 7–9 cm Lifespan: 3–5 years Appearance The Giant Plakat Female Betta has a muscular, elongated body that is noticeably larger than standard female Bettas. Their short, rounded fins provide excellent swimming ability while showcasing an incredible range of colours, including solid, marble, metallic, koi, dragonscale, and multicoloured varieties. Females generally have a slightly shorter body and less exaggerated finnage than males but still display exceptional colour and pattern. Temperament Giant Plakat Female Bettas are intelligent and curious fish with individual personalities. While generally less aggressive than males, they remain territorial and should be housed carefully. Most are best kept individually, although experienced aquarists may successfully maintain groups of females in appropriately sized, well-structured aquariums. Suitable tank mates include: Corydoras Kuhli Loaches Bristlenose Catfish Otocinclus Small peaceful Rasboras Ember Tetras Snails Avoid keeping them with: Male Bettas Other territorial female Bettas unless in a carefully managed sorority Fin-nipping species Large aggressive cichlids Fast, boisterous fish Aquarium Requirements A well-planted aquarium with driftwood, caves, and gentle water movement provides the ideal environment for Giant Plakat Female Bettas. Floating plants help diffuse lighting and provide a greater sense of security, while open swimming areas allow them to remain active. As labyrinth fish, they require easy access to the water's surface to breathe atmospheric air. A secure lid is recommended, as Bettas are capable jumpers. Recommended Water Parameters Temperature: 25–28°C pH: 6.5–7.5 Hardness: 3–10 dGH Maintaining warm, clean, stable water is essential for long-term health and vibrant colouration. Diet Giant Plakat Female Bettas are carnivorous and require a protein-rich diet. Recommended foods include: High-quality Betta pellets Frozen bloodworms Frozen brine shrimp Frozen mysis shrimp Daphnia Live blackworms (occasionally) Live mosquito larvae (where appropriate) Feeding a varied diet will encourage healthy growth, vibrant colours, and overall wellbeing. Behaviour These fish are active, inquisitive, and quickly learn to recognise their keeper. Giant Plakat Females spend much of their day exploring their surroundings and investigating movement outside the aquarium. They may flare their gill covers and fins when displaying territorial behaviour but are generally less aggressive than males. Breeding Breeding Giant Plakat Bettas should only be attempted by experienced aquarists. Like other Betta splendens, they are bubble nest builders. The male constructs and guards the bubble nest while caring for the eggs and newly hatched fry. Females should be removed after spawning to prevent aggression. Why Choose Giant Plakat Female Bettas? Larger than standard female Bettas Strong, active swimmer with short fins Available in a wide range of stunning colours Intelligent and interactive personality Hardy and relatively easy to care for Excellent feature fish for smaller aquariums Care Tips Provide a warm, stable aquarium with gentle filtration, plenty of plants, and hiding places. Keep Giant Plakat Female Bettas individually unless maintaining a carefully planned sorority with sufficient space and structure. Feed a varied, protein-rich diet and perform regular water changes to maintain excellent water quality and ensure they display their best health and colouration.