Blue Starlight Plakat Betta (Betta splendens)

Meet this Blue Starlight Plakat Betta (Betta splendens), a striking male betta showing a shimmering blue body lit with pale, starlight speckling. As a plakat, he carries short, sturdy fins that stay crisp and resist the tearing that long-finned bettas are prone to. Each betta at our shop is an individually selected, one-of-a-kind fish, so the specimen you bring home is the exact one pictured. Browse all live freshwater fish at Squeaky's Aquatics.

Care Guide

• Tank Size: 5-gallon minimum for a single male, filtered and heated. Bigger tanks stay more stable and show him off better.
• Water Temperature: 76 to 82°F. Bettas are tropical, so a steady heater is required.
• pH: 6.5 to 7.5
• Hardness: 5 to 20 dGH
• Filtration: Gentle flow. A sponge filter or low-flow internal filter is ideal, since strong current stresses bettas.
• Décor: Live or silk plants, plus a cave or leaf hammock for resting. Avoid sharp or rough decor that can tear delicate fins.
• Lid: Keep a lid on the tank, as bettas can jump.
• Lifespan: 2 to 4 years with good care.

Specifications

Compatibility

This is a male betta and must be the only betta in the tank. Two males will fight, and males should not share a tank with females outside of a controlled breeding setup. In a 10-gallon or larger, well-planted community he can often live peacefully with calm, non-nippy companions such as small rasboras, ember tetras, corydoras catfish, kuhli loaches, nerite snails, and Amano or ghost shrimp. Avoid known fin-nippers like tiger barbs, and avoid other flashy, long-finned fish he may treat as rivals. Always watch new pairings and be ready to separate if needed.

Recommended Foods & Supplies

• Feed a quality betta staple such as New Life Spectrum Betta Pellets or Seachem NutriDiet Betta with Probiotics, with occasional frozen or freeze-dried treats.
• Make tap water safe at every change with Seachem Prime.
• Hold a stable tropical temperature with a reliable heater like the Aquatop Pisces 25W Nano Heater.
• Give him somewhere to rest and hide with the Hikari Dark Rock Cave.
• Add a gentle cleanup helper such as a Nerite Snail from our freshwater invertebrates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep two of these males together? No. Male bettas are territorial and will fight, so each male needs his own tank.

Does he need a heater? Yes. Bettas are tropical and need a steady 76 to 82°F, which a small aquarium heater provides.

What size tank does he need? A filtered, heated 5-gallon is the practical minimum. Larger tanks are easier to keep stable and healthier for him.

Is the fish I receive the exact one shown? Yes. Each betta is listed individually, so you take home the specific fish pictured, reserved for you until pickup.