{"product_id":"avatar-plakat-betta-male-betta-splendens-freshwater","title":"Avatar Plakat Betta - Male (Betta splendens)","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"background:#E3F2FD;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding:10px 14px;margin:0 0 14px;font-size:0.95em;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIn-store pickup only.\u003c\/strong\u003e Pick up at \u003cstrong\u003e1885 Braselton Hwy, Suite D, Lawrenceville, GA\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour order is reserved — we hold off on bagging until you arrive, so it stays healthy in its display tank.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis \u003cstrong\u003eAvatar Plakat Betta\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eBetta splendens\u003c\/em\u003e) is a stunning male with the prized \"Avatar\" color pattern — a deep base color overlaid with scattered metallic copper, teal, and white iridescent scales that look like stars across a night sky. The shortfin (plakat) body gives him athletic, energetic movement closer to wild bettas than the slow, trailing-fin longfin varieties. Beginner-friendly, semi-aggressive, and a stunning centerpiece for any 5-gallon-plus tank.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePair with our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/collections\/freshwater-aquarium-plants\"\u003elive plants\u003c\/a\u003e and other peaceful \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/collections\/fresh-water\"\u003efreshwater livestock\u003c\/a\u003e — bettas thrive in planted, dimly lit tanks with low flow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eCare Guide\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5 gallons minimum, 10+ gallons ideal. Bettas are NOT bowl fish — they need filtration, a heater, and stable water.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeater:\u003c\/strong\u003e Required. Bettas are tropical and stress in cool water.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFiltration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gentle. Sponge filters or baffled HOBs work best — their fins drag in strong current.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAquascape:\u003c\/strong\u003e Live or silk plants, broadleaf species near the surface, plus a betta hammock or floating leaf. Avoid sharp décor that could tear fins.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLid required:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bettas are notorious jumpers, especially when first introduced. A tight-fitting lid is non-negotiable.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carnivore. Offer high-quality \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/new-life-spectrum-betta-semi-floating-pellet\"\u003ebetta pellets\u003c\/a\u003e as the staple, with frozen or freeze-dried bloodworms and brine shrimp as treats 2–3 times per week. Feed 2–4 small meals per day; bettas overeat readily.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;font-size:0.95em;\"\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;width:40%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eSiamese Fighting Fish, Betta\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eBetta splendens\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVariety\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eAvatar, Shortfin (Plakat)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSex\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eMale\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eSoutheast Asia (captive-bred)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e2.5–3 inches\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLifespan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e3–5 years with proper care\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eBeginner-friendly\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eSemi-aggressive (males)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e5 gallons\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e76–82°F\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e6.5–7.5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardness\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e5–19 dGH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eCarnivore\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBest kept alone\u003c\/strong\u003e for guaranteed safety. If you want tank mates in a 10+ gallon planted tank, consider peaceful nano species: ember tetras, harlequin rasboras, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/kuhli-loach\"\u003ekuhli loaches\u003c\/a\u003e, nerite snails, or amano shrimp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNever combine\u003c\/strong\u003e with: another male betta (will fight to the death), females (only safe in supervised breeding setups), fin-nippers like tiger barbs or serpae tetras, or any brightly colored long-finned fish like guppies (which males may mistake for rivals).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eRecommended Foods \u0026amp; Supplies\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/new-life-spectrum-betta-semi-floating-pellet\"\u003eNew Life Spectrum Betta Pellets\u003c\/a\u003e — high-quality staple diet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/zoomed-betta-mopani-wood-natural-african-driftwood\"\u003eZooMed Betta Mopani Wood\u003c\/a\u003e — naturally tannin-leaching driftwood for blackwater conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/zoomed-maple-leaf-betta-plant-silk-suction-cup\"\u003eZooMed Maple Leaf Betta Plant\u003c\/a\u003e — soft suction-cup resting leaf\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/fritz-casuarina-cones-freshwater-botanical\"\u003eFritz Casuarina Cones\u003c\/a\u003e — tannins lower pH and provide a natural antifungal effect\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/collections\/maintenance-water-care\"\u003eWater conditioners \u0026amp; treatments\u003c\/a\u003e — keep parameters stable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does \"Avatar\" mean?\u003c\/strong\u003e It's a betta color morph — a dark base coat (often steel blue, near-black, or deep teal) with scattered metallic copper, cyan, and white iridescent scales that resemble stars or constellations. Each Avatar betta is one-of-a-kind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat's the difference between shortfin and longfin?\u003c\/strong\u003e Shortfin (plakat) bettas have compact, athletic fins — closer to the wild form. Longfin varieties have dramatic trailing fins that can stress the fish in strong current or with fin-nippers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan he live in a bowl?\u003c\/strong\u003e No. A 5-gallon filtered, heated tank is the minimum. Bowls don't hold stable temperature or water chemistry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy does he build bubble nests?\u003c\/strong\u003e Male bettas build floating bubble nests as a natural breeding behavior. It's a sign of a healthy, happy fish — not a sign that he needs a mate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo bettas really fight to the death?\u003c\/strong\u003e Two males in the same tank will absolutely fight, often fatally. Never house males together. Even females (in sororities) require a very specific setup and aren't beginner-friendly.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Squeaky's Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48354354528475,"sku":"FW1-F7468","price":25.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0767\/5209\/3403\/files\/image_de8bfd62-efef-4b72-b98c-aa7ec4fa7c22.png?v=1773321291","url":"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/avatar-plakat-betta-male-betta-splendens-freshwater","provider":"Squeaky's Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}