Betta splendens (Siamese Fighting Fish) - Short-Tailed Varieties and Characteristics
Short-tailed bettas are a prominent category within the Siamese fighting fish family. Below is a detailed breakdown of their types and key traits:
1. Plakat Betta (Plakat/PK)
Characteristics:
Short, rounded or spade-shaped tail fins.
Sturdy body with high aggression, ideal for fighting training (though ethical considerations apply).
Diverse color patterns and elegant swimming posture, with a long display period during territorial behavior.
Common Names:
Short-tailed betta, Siamese fighting fish (broad definition).
Care Tips:
Great for beginners. Keep single or use dividers in tanks to prevent aggression.
Optimal water temperature: 77°F (25°C).
2. Show-Grade Short-Tailed Bettas
Subtypes:
Masked Royal Blue Plakat: Deep blue tail with distinctive facial markings.
Orange-Gold Plakat: Vibrant orange-gold hue for high visual impact.
Koi Plakat: Colorful patterns resembling koi fish, with dynamic scale variations.
3. Wild-Type Short-Tailed Bettas
Traits:
Resembles the ancestral betta form, with short, round tails (often mistaken for females).
Males have longer pelvic fins as a key identifying feature.
Other Related Varieties
Elephant Ear Betta: While not strictly short-tailed, some individuals have reduced tail length. Its defining trait is oversized pectoral fins resembling elephant ears.
General Care Guidelines
Water Quality:
pH 6.5–7.5
Temperature: 68–86°F (20–30°C); ideal at 77°F (25°C)
Diet:
Top-feeding pellets as (staple), supplemented with live/frozen brine shrimp, bloodworms, etc., to enhance coloration.
Aggression Management:
Isolate male bettas; avoid co-housing with same species.
Short-tailed bettas are beloved for their hardiness and vivid colors. The Plakat betta, in particular, remains a popular choice for exhibitions and (ethical) competitive displays.