{"product_id":"giant-multicolor-plakat-male-betta-splendens-freshwater","title":"Giant Multicolor 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\u003eThis \u003cstrong\u003eGiant Multicolor Plakat Male Betta\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eBetta splendens\u003c\/em\u003e) is a big, thick bodied betta with a patchwork of red, lavender and blue across his body and short red fins edged and streaked with blue. \"Giant\" means he comes from a line bred for size: giants grow well past a regular betta and carry a heavier, more muscular frame. \"Plakat\" is the short finned form, closer to the wild fish, so he swims hard and is less prone to fin damage than long finned types. \"Multicolor\" bettas show three or more colors at once, and the exact mix shifts as they settle in and mature. Like most domestic bettas he is hardy and a good first betta, as long as he gets a heated, filtered tank with room for his size. Browse the rest of our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/collections\/fish\"\u003elive freshwater fish\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/collections\/fish\/fam-betta\"\u003eall of our bettas\u003c\/a\u003e, and our \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 10 gallons minimum. A giant betta has a much bigger body than a regular betta, and cups or small bowls leave him no room to turn and swim. A heated, filtered, cycled tank changes how he looks and behaves.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 78 to 82°F, and a heater is not optional. Cold water makes a betta lethargic and prone to illness, and a stable temperature matters more than hitting a perfect number.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGentle flow.\u003c\/strong\u003e Plakats handle current better than long finned bettas, but they still prefer calm water. Baffle the filter outlet or use a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/hikari-bacto-surge-foam-filter-sponge-freshwater-saltwater\"\u003eHikari Bacto-Surge sponge filter\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLeave an air gap and use a lid.\u003c\/strong\u003e Bettas breathe air at the surface through their labyrinth organ, and plakats are strong jumpers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e pH 6.5 to 7.5, soft to moderately hard. Do a weekly partial water change and treat new water with \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/seachem-betta-basics\"\u003eSeachem Betta Basics\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/seachem-prime-complete-concentrated-water-conditioner\"\u003eSeachem Prime\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e carnivore with a big appetite. Feed a quality pellet like \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/hikari-betta-bio-gold\"\u003eHikari Betta Bio-Gold\u003c\/a\u003e as the staple, and add frozen or freeze-dried bloodworms and brine shrimp two or three times a week. Giants are prone to bloating, so feed small portions he finishes in a minute or two.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDecor:\u003c\/strong\u003e plants and resting spots near the surface, like \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/anubias-nana-anubias-barteri-nana-potted-freshwater-plant\"\u003eAnubias Nana\u003c\/a\u003e and a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/zoomed-betta-floating-lounge\"\u003eZooMed Betta Floating Lounge\u003c\/a\u003e. Skip anything with sharp edges, because fins tear.\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, and a giant hits harder than most.\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\u003ctbody\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;\"\u003eMulticolor, giant line\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 4 to 5 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;\"\u003e10 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;\"\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\/tbody\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\u003eIn a 10 gallon he is happiest alone or with a nerite snail like the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/racetrack-nerite-snail-vittina-sp-freshwater\"\u003eRacetrack Nerite\u003c\/a\u003e. In a larger, well planted tank he can share space with calm bottom dwellers and quick, plain colored schooling fish such as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/pygmy-cory-corydoras-pygmaeus-freshwater\"\u003ePygmy Cories\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/black-kuhli-loach-pangio-oblonga-freshwater\"\u003eBlack Kuhli Loaches\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/otocinclus-catfish-otocinclus-vittatus-freshwater-algae-eater\"\u003eOtocinclus\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/kubotai-rasbora-microdevario-kubotai-freshwater\"\u003eKubotai Rasboras\u003c\/a\u003e in a group of six or more. Because of his size, very small tank mates and shrimp are more likely to end up as food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid fin nippers like tiger barbs and serpae tetras, long finned or brightly colored fish like fancy guppies, and gouramis. Never a second betta. Temperament varies by individual, so watch the tank for the first week and have a backup plan.\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\/sicce-jolly-20w-pre-set-aquarium-heater-nano-tank\"\u003eSicce Jolly 20W Pre-Set Heater\u003c\/a\u003e for a 10 gallon\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/zoomed-betta-bed-leaf-hammock\"\u003eZooMed Betta Bed Leaf Hammock\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\u003eHow big does a giant betta get?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGiant lines typically reach about 4 to 5 inches, close to twice the body mass of a regular betta. He keeps growing for several months after you bring him home, so plan the tank for his adult size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill his colors stay the same?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNot always. Multicolor bettas often shift as they settle into a new tank and mature, and the mix of red, lavender and blue can change. Good water, warmth and a varied diet bring out the best color he has.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs a plakat harder to keep than a long finned betta?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo, it is usually easier. Short fins are less likely to tear or rot, and plakats are active, strong swimmers that cope better with a little current.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan he live in a 5 gallon tank?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe recommend 10 gallons for a giant. A 5 gallon is fine for a regular betta, but a giant needs the extra swimming room and water volume to stay healthy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I keep him with a female betta?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOnly in a supervised breeding setup, and only for a short time. Outside of breeding, a male and female kept together will fight, so give him his own tank.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Squeaky's Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51046343475419,"sku":"SQ-BETTAGIANTMULT","price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0767\/5209\/3403\/files\/E968F5BB-6E8A-48C7-98DE-C95DAE35997C.jpg?v=1793907407","url":"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/giant-multicolor-plakat-male-betta-splendens-freshwater","provider":"Squeaky's Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}