Product Details

FCCP Plakat – Betta splendens

The FCCP Plakat is a captive-bred short-finned form of the Siamese Fighting Fish, selected for bold colour, compact finnage and strong display character. Also sold as a Plakat Betta, Shortfin Betta, Fighting Fish or Siamese Fighting Fish, this ornamental strain is best suited to a mature, heated aquarium with gentle filtration, warm stable water and calm surroundings. Male Bettas are territorial and must be housed carefully, especially around other Bettas and long-finned or similar-looking fish.

Key Identification:

Common Name: FCCP Plakat
Other Names: Plakat Betta, Shortfin Betta, Siamese Fighting Fish, Fighting Fish
Scientific Name: Betta splendens
Strain / Form: Captive-bred FCCP Plakat ornamental strain
Fish Type: Labyrinth Fish / Betta
Water Type: Freshwater

Natural Range & Habitat:

Betta splendens is native to Southeast Asia, where wild-type fish occur in shallow, slow-moving and still waters such as floodplains, canals, rice paddies, ditches and vegetated margins. These habitats often contain dense plant growth, warm water, soft cover and access to the surface.

Captive-bred Plakat Bettas are ornamental aquarium strains, but they still benefit from natural-style conditions. A planted aquarium with floating plants, gentle flow, shaded areas and open surface access is ideal. As labyrinth fish, Bettas regularly breathe atmospheric air, so they must always be able to reach the surface.

Appearance & Adult Size:

Plakat Bettas have a compact, muscular body with shorter fins than long-finned Betta strains. This gives them a more active, athletic appearance and often makes them stronger swimmers than heavily finned varieties. Colour and pattern in the FCCP line may vary between individuals depending on breeding, age, mood and lighting.

Adults usually reach around 5–6.5 cm. Males are typically more colourful and territorial, while females are usually shorter-finned and less intense in colour, although female Plakat Bettas can still be bright and active.

Aquarium Suitability:

This strain is well suited to a single-specimen Betta aquarium, planted nano display or carefully planned peaceful setup. It needs warm, stable water, gentle filtration and resting areas near the surface.

Plakat Bettas should not be kept in tiny bowls, unheated vases or unstable unfiltered containers. They are hardy when kept correctly, but they still need proper water volume, heating, filtration and regular maintenance.

Recommended Aquarium Size:

A practical minimum is 25–40 litres for a single Betta, with larger aquariums offering better stability and more room for planting. A tank length of at least 40–45 cm is recommended where possible.

Male Bettas should be kept singly. Do not keep two males together, and do not keep males where they can constantly see and flare at each other. Females should only be kept in groups by experienced keepers in larger, heavily planted aquariums, and even then compatibility is not guaranteed.

Water Conditions:

Temperature: 24–28°C
pH: 6.0–7.8
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
Additional Notes: Warm, stable water is essential. Use gentle filtration, as Bettas do not appreciate strong current. Provide open access to the surface and avoid cold draughts above the water. Regular small water changes are better than large sudden changes in small aquariums.

Temperament & Tank Mates:

Aquarium Category: Semi-Aggressive

Plakat Bettas are territorial, especially males. They may flare, chase or attack other Bettas, similar-looking fish, brightly coloured rivals or long-finned tank mates. The short-finned Plakat form can be particularly active and confident.

Best kept alone or with carefully chosen peaceful tank mates in a suitably sized aquarium. Possible companions may include small calm rasboras, peaceful tetras, Otocinclus, small cory-type catfish or snails, but only if the aquarium is large enough and the individual Betta accepts them. Avoid fin-nippers, aggressive fish, male Bettas, gouramis, guppies, long-finned fish and very tiny shrimp that may be eaten.

Feeding:

Bettas are carnivorous to insectivorous surface and midwater feeders. Offer quality Betta pellets or small floating granules as the staple diet.

Supplement with frozen or live foods such as bloodworm, daphnia, brineshrimp, cyclops, mosquito larvae and small insect-based foods. Feed small portions, as Bettas can become overweight if overfed. Remove uneaten food to protect water quality.

Behaviour in the Aquarium:

Plakat Bettas are active, intelligent and interactive fish. They often patrol their aquarium, investigate plants and décor, rest on broad leaves or near the surface, and may respond to movement outside the tank.

Males may flare their gills and fins during display. Occasional flaring is natural, but constant flaring caused by mirrors or neighbouring males can be stressful. Bettas are bubble-nest builders, and males may build nests at the surface when settled and in good condition.

Care Notes:

Keep male Plakat Bettas singly unless using a carefully planned community setup with suitable tank mates and enough space. Do not house males together.

Provide a heater, gentle filter, secure lid and open surface access. Floating plants, broad-leaved plants, smooth décor and resting places near the surface are useful. Avoid sharp plastic plants, rough ornaments and strong current, as these can damage fins or cause stress. Maintain stable water quality and avoid sudden temperature drops.

Recommended For:

Beginner to intermediate

Availability:

Occasional / Captive-bred ornamental strain

Image Disclaimer:

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Natural variation in size, colour, pattern, fin shape, body tone and markings can occur between individual fish.