Koi Multicolour Plakat (Betta splendens)
Betta splendens are native to the shallow, slow-moving waters of Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos, where they inhabit rice paddies, ditches and still ponds. This variety is bred in Indonesia and takes its name from its resemblance to Japanese koi carp, displaying irregular patches of red, white, orange and black scattered across the body and fins.
Koi bettas carry the marble gene, so the pattern is not fixed — colours and patches can continue to shift and develop as the fish matures, meaning no two fish are ever quite alike and the fish you buy may look noticeably different in a few months' time.
As a plakat, this male has short, robust fins rather than the long flowing fins of other betta types, tracing back to the fighting bettas historically bred across Southeast Asia for stamina and agility. This gives it a hardier, more compact build and makes it a strong, active swimmer.
Juveniles often don't display full colouration and become more and more vivid as they age, making them fascinating to watch as they change.
Care
Origin: Indonesia
Temperature: 24-27℃
pH: 6.5-7.5
Ammonia: 0
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: <20
Water Flow: Gentle
Food: high grade betta pellet, frozen bloodworm, frozen brine shrimp, frozen white mosquito larvae.
We recommend catappa leaf as a natural botanical that provides tannins, cover and leaf-litter habitat, helping to create a more natural environment for your fish. Research also suggests possible additional health benefits.
Koi Multicolour Plakat #4
Betta Care
For full care information, see our Betta Care Guide and Guide to Tank Cycling.(Both open in new tabs)
Quick guide
Tank: A 25–30 litre or larger aquarium with a secure lid. Larger volumes are easier to keep stable and provide more room to swim and explore.
Temperature: Keep the water stable at 24–27°C.
Water Quality: The aquarium must be fully cycled. Ammonia and nitrite should read 0 ppm, with nitrate preferably below 20 ppm. Aim for a stable pH around 6.5–7.5 rather than repeatedly adjusting it.
Environment: Provide gentle filtration, plants, smooth shelter and resting places, with clear access to the water surface.
Feeding: Offer small amounts of an appropriate Betta diet and remove uneaten food promptly. Avoid overfeeding.
Maintenance: Change around 25–30% of the water weekly, using dechlorinated water brought reasonably close to the aquarium temperature.
Compatibility: Keep no more than one male Betta in an undivided aquarium. Choose any tank mates carefully for the aquarium size and the individual fish, and be prepared to separate them if problems develop.
Lifespan: Typically around 3–5 years, although this varies.
Avoid bowls: Bettas need a properly heated, filtered and suitably furnished aquarium.
