{"product_id":"blue-panda-plakat-male-betta-splendens-freshwater","title":"Blue Panda Plakat Male Betta (Betta splendens)","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;color:#1a1a1a;max-width:860px;line-height:1.7;\"\u003e\n\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 Your order is reserved, we hold off on bagging until you arrive so it stays healthy in its display tank.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eBlue Panda Plakat Betta\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eBetta splendens\u003c\/em\u003e) wears one of the most striking patterns in the hobby: a pale cream body scattered with inky blue-black patches, a dark bandit mask across the face, and a broad royal blue caudal fin that lights up when he flares. Plakat is the short-finned form, so instead of dragging heavy veils around he swims like an athlete, which means fewer torn fins and a lot more personality on display. Hardy, beginner friendly, and endlessly watchable. Browse the rest of our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/collections\/fish\"\u003elive freshwater fish\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/collections\/fresh-water\"\u003efreshwater supplies\u003c\/a\u003e to set his tank up right.\u003c\/p\u003e\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 is better. The old cup-and-bowl advice is long dead. He wants a real heated, filtered, cycled tank with room to patrol.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 78 to 82°F, and a heater is not optional. Bettas are tropical, and cold water is the fastest route to a lethargic, sickly fish. Keep the temperature stable rather than chasing a number.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGentle flow.\u003c\/strong\u003e Even a short-finned plakat dislikes being blown around. Baffle a strong filter outlet or use a sponge filter so he can rest wherever he likes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLeave an air gap and use a lid.\u003c\/strong\u003e Bettas have a labyrinth organ and must breathe air at the surface, so never fill to the brim under a sealed lid. They are also committed jumpers, so cover the tank and close the gaps around cords.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e pH 6.5 to 7.5, soft to moderately hard. Weekly water changes with a conditioner like \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/seachem-betta-basics\"\u003eSeachem Betta Basics\u003c\/a\u003e keep him in good color.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e carnivore. A quality betta pellet such as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/fluval-bug-bites-betta-formula\"\u003eFluval Bug Bites Betta Formula\u003c\/a\u003e as the staple, plus frozen or freeze-dried bloodworms and brine shrimp two or three times a week. Feed small amounts, they will happily overeat.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDecor:\u003c\/strong\u003e plant it heavily and give him resting spots near the surface. Broad leaves like \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/anubias-nana-anubias-barteri-nana-potted-freshwater-plant\"\u003eAnubias Nana\u003c\/a\u003e, a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/zoomed-betta-floating-lounge\"\u003efloating lounge\u003c\/a\u003e, and a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/hikari-dark-rock-cave-aquarium-hide-bettas-shrimp-plecos\"\u003ecave\u003c\/a\u003e all get used daily. Skip anything with sharp edges.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOne male per tank.\u003c\/strong\u003e Non-negotiable. Two male bettas in the same water will fight until one of them is dead.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\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%;max-width:640px;\"\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;\"\u003eBlue Panda, marble pattern\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFin type\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003ePlakat, short finned\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\u003eCare level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eBeginner\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, one male per tank\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMax size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eAbout 2.5 to 3 inches\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum tank\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e5 gallons, 10 preferred\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;\"\u003e78 to 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 to 7.5\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\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 to 5 years with good care\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;\"\u003eCaptive bred, domestic \u003cem\u003eBetta splendens\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePickup\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eIn-store pickup at Squeaky's Aquatics\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\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\u003eA male betta can absolutely live in a community tank, as long as you pick the right neighbors. The rule is simple: nothing that nips, nothing flashy enough to look like a rival, and nothing he can swallow. Good choices include the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/pygmy-cory-corydoras-pygmaeus-freshwater\"\u003ePygmy Cory\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/bumblebee-otocinclus-cocama-zebra-oto-freshwater\"\u003eBumblebee Otocinclus\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/black-kuhli-loach-pangio-oblonga-freshwater\"\u003eBlack Kuhli Loach\u003c\/a\u003e, and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/racetrack-nerite-snail-vittina-sp-freshwater\"\u003enerite snails\u003c\/a\u003e. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/amano-shrimp-caridina-multidentata-freshwater\"\u003eAmano Shrimp\u003c\/a\u003e usually work because they are large and fast, though any shrimp is a gamble with a determined betta.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid fin nippers like tiger barbs and serpae tetras, avoid long-finned or brightly colored fish such as fancy guppies that he may mistake for another betta, and never house him with a second male betta or with female bettas outside of a supervised breeding setup. Temperament varies by individual, so watch the tank for the first week and have a backup plan if he turns out to be one of the feisty ones.\u003c\/p\u003e\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\/fluval-bug-bites-betta-formula\"\u003eFluval Bug Bites Betta Formula\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/hikari-betta-bio-gold\"\u003eHikari Betta Bio-Gold\u003c\/a\u003e as the daily staple\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/sfbb-bloodworms-cube-1-75oz\"\u003eFrozen bloodworms\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/fluval-betta-freeze-dried-bloodworms\"\u003eFluval freeze-dried bloodworms\u003c\/a\u003e as a treat\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/seachem-betta-basics\"\u003eSeachem Betta Basics\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/fritz-betta-water\"\u003eFritz Betta Water\u003c\/a\u003e for water changes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/zoomed-betta-floating-lounge\"\u003eZooMed Betta Floating Lounge\u003c\/a\u003e and a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/hikari-dark-rock-cave-aquarium-hide-bettas-shrimp-plecos\"\u003eHikari Dark Rock Cave\u003c\/a\u003e for resting spots\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/fritz-catappa-leaves-10pk\"\u003eFritz Catappa Leaves\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/zoomed-betta-mopani-wood-natural-african-driftwood\"\u003eZooMed Mopani Wood\u003c\/a\u003e for tannins and cover\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\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\u003eWill he keep this exact pattern?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eProbably not, and that is normal. Panda and koi bettas carry the marble gene, which is a jumping gene that keeps switching pigment on and off through the fish's life. Patches spread, shrink, and move around over months. Most owners find the slow repaint job to be half the fun, but if you want a pattern locked in place, a solid-color betta is the safer pick.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the difference between a plakat and a regular betta?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFin length. Plakat is the short-finned form, closest in shape to the wild fish. They swim faster, are less prone to fin rot and tail biting, and generally hold up better than the heavy longfin varieties, which is why a lot of experienced keepers prefer them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes he really need a heater and a filter?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes to both. A betta in unheated, unfiltered water is a betta with a short, uncomfortable life. Bowls without heaters are the single most common reason bettas die early. A cycled 5 gallon with a heater and gentle filtration is the real minimum.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan he live with another betta?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo. Two males will fight to the death, and males and females should only be put together by experienced breeders under supervision. One male per tank, every time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy is he flaring at his reflection?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHe thinks he is seeing a rival. A little flaring is healthy exercise, but constant flaring at a glossy tank wall is stress. Reduce the reflection by adding plants, dimming the room behind the tank, or backing the tank with a dark background.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n","brand":"Squeaky's Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48964502978779,"sku":"FW1-F4409","price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0767\/5209\/3403\/files\/image_9bb53992-f099-4fb3-b964-44c858d1e739.png?v=1783691227","url":"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/blue-panda-plakat-male-betta-splendens-freshwater","provider":"Squeaky's Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}