Mixed Colorful Plakat Female Bettas

fish description – Plakat Female Betta Sorority Care Guide ($Betta\ splendens$ Female Plakat)

Category	Detail
Scientific Name	$Betta\ splendens$ (Female, Plakat Type)
Common Name	Plakat Female Betta, Fighter Fish, Betta Sorority
Origin	Slow-moving waters of Southeast Asia (Selectively Bred Strain)
Adult Size	2–2.5 inches (5–6.5 cm)
Temperament	Semi-aggressive, territorial, dominant hierarchy within the group
Lifespan	3–5 years
Care Level	Advanced (due to inherent aggression risk in group setting)

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Appearance and Sexual Differences

 

• Short Description: Females of the Plakat type have short, sturdy fins (less prone to fin rot and nipping than long fins) and display a wide range of colors (blue, red, yellow, multi-color).⁴ They are known for a shorter, rounder body shape than males, and develop an “egg spot” (ovipositor) near the anal fin.

   

• Coloration: Females are highly colorful in this strain, often displaying the same vibrant colors as males, but typically with less fin coverage. They may show dark vertical stress stripes when timid or intimidated.
• Fins: Short, rounded fins.
• Behavior: Females establish a strict pecking order within a group. The most dominant female will chase and nip others, though this activity is spread out across the group in a large tank. They are Labyrinth fish and require access to the water surface for air.⁵

   

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Tank Requirements and Water Parameters

 

• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons for a single female (kept alone).⁶ A 30-gallon tank minimum is required for a small sorority (group of 5–6 females). Larger tanks (40+ gallons) are strongly recommended to mitigate aggression.

   

• Schooling: If kept in a sorority, a minimum of 5–6 females is essential to spread out aggression. Never mix males and females outside of controlled breeding, and never mix two males.⁷

   

• Temperature: High Tropical range: ⁸$77^\circ$–⁹$82^\circ\text{F}\ (25^\circ$–¹⁰$28^\circ\text{C})$.¹¹ Stable, warm water is paramount for health.

   

• pH Level: Slightly acidic to neutral water: 6.0 to 7.5.¹² Pristine water quality is necessary to prevent fin rot and disease, especially in a stressful group setting.

   

• Aquascape: Extremely dense planting and decor are crucial to success.¹³ Provide ample hiding spots (caves, driftwood, flowerpots) and visual barriers to break up lines of sight.¹⁴ Use a fine, smooth substrate. Filtration should be strong enough to keep water clean but gentle enough to maintain low water flow. A tight-fitting lid is required.

   

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Diet and Feeding

 

Betta fish are carnivores and require a protein-rich diet.¹⁵

 

• Staple Diet: High-quality Betta pellets or granules that float or sink slowly.¹⁶

   

• Supplementation: A varied diet is key.¹⁷ Offer live or frozen protein-rich foods daily: Bloodworms, Brine Shrimp, and Daphnia.¹⁸

   

• Schedule: Feed small portions once daily (or twice in small amounts) that can be consumed in about 2 minutes.¹⁹ Watch closely to ensure the less dominant females are getting adequate food.

   

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Compatibility

 

• Caution: Do not trust them with long-finned fish or other Betta species. Female Bettas, particularly in a sorority, can occasionally be aggressive toward slow-moving or similarly shaped fish.
• Good Tank Mates: Fast-moving, peaceful, mid-to-bottom dwelling schooling fish that are not easily intimidated. Examples include Corydoras catfish, Otocinclus, Ember Tetras, Rummy Nose Tetras, and Kuhli Loaches.