Looks Like A Male Plakat?

Thursday, I purchased my pretty Betta from a pet store, at first I thought it was a male, got it home, and then thought female. My fish built a bubble nest (which I had no idea at the time what it was, noticed it today and Googled it lol), and turns out it looks like my Betta might be a male Plakat. Never knew there were various fin styles!

Thanks for any help

 

Yes it's a male plakat. I recognize the background of that tank and just letting you know that it's not a proper environment for a betta. If you would like to know more information just ask.

 

Yes it's a male plakat. I recognize the background of that tank and just letting you know that it's not a proper environment for a betta. If you would like to know more information just ask.

What would be a proper environment? I live in an apartment and the only tank size we can go up to is 10 gallon, and this half gallon tank was all I could afford at the moment.

 

Most people here (and those who want the best for their Betta) recommend a 5 gallon tank or up. But 5 gallons is just fine for them. You will find your little Betta will be a lot more active and happy in a bigger tank. Don’t sweat it tho as there is a lot of misinformed people and companies who believe Bettas can be kept in such small tanks or bowls... which they can survive with enough maintenance but they just aren’t going to live as happy and healthy of a life. Good luck and I wish you the best! Such a pretty little guy

 

What would be a proper environment? I live in an apartment and the only tank size we can go up to is 10 gallon, and this half gallon tank was all I could afford at the moment.

Bettas need an absolute minimum of 2.5 gallons as the tank size which provides them the swimming space they need and room for other necessary equipment, but you have a plakat and the suggested tank size instead is 5 gallons. It also has a larger water volume which means it dilutes the waste produced making it less toxic. The bigger the better.

I also see that you don't know about the nitrogen cycle in your profile and suggest that you research more about it. Basically all tank inhabitants produce ammonia as waste which is toxic, but you have beneficial bacteria in the filter to convert it into nitrites then nitrates which are less toxic and can be removed with a simple water change. This is why a filter is needed and essential for all tanks because it houses the beneficial bacteria which keeps your fish from being poisoned.

A betta would need a heater because they're tropical fish from warm climates that require a temperature range of 78-82°F. Less than ideal temperatures can result in lethargy and a weakened immune system which can cause him to get sick easily. Colder temperatures also slows a fish's metabolism which can cause digestive issues.

Water changes are required for maintaining a healthy aquarium because of these toxic wastes produced. For a tank that small you'd have to do two 50% water changes daily to keep the water parameters within safe levels. If you aren't testing the water parameters, then I suggest you invest in the API Master Test Kit to monitor the water parameters.

You can try looking for a second-hand tank which would be cheaper. If you have anymore questions or concerns, ask away.

 

Bettas need an absolute minimum of 2.5 gallons as the tank size which provides them the swimming space they need and room for other necessary equipment, but you have a plakat and the suggested tank size instead is 5 gallons. It also has a larger water volume which means it dilutes the waste produced making it less toxic. The bigger the better.

I also see that you don't know about the nitrogen cycle in your profile and suggest that you research more about it. Basically all tank inhabitants produce ammonia as waste which is toxic, but you have beneficial bacteria in the filter to convert it into nitrites then nitrates which are less toxic and can be removed with a simple water change. This is why a filter is needed and essential for all tanks because it houses the beneficial bacteria which keeps your fish from being poisoned.

A betta would need a heater because they're tropical fish from warm climates that require a temperature range of 78-82°F. Less than ideal temperatures can result in lethargy and a weakened immune system which can cause him to get sick easily. Colder temperatures also slows a fish's metabolism which can cause digestive issues.

Water changes are required for maintaining a healthy aquarium because of these toxic wastes produced. For a tank that small you'd have to do two 50% water changes daily to keep the water parameters within safe levels. If you aren't testing the water parameters, then I suggest you invest in the API Master Test Kit to monitor the water parameters.

You can try looking for a second-hand tank which would be cheaper. If you have anymore questions or concerns, ask away.

Thanks so much for the info! I will check on my local yard sale sites to see if anyone has a second hand 5 gallon aquarium. If not, I will be able to purchase one early next month My daughter is amused with how I obsess over my fish, and I think my Quaker is jealous of the attention lol!!

Most people here (and those who want the best for their Betta) recommend a 5 gallon tank or up. But 5 gallons is just fine for them. You will find your little Betta will be a lot more active and happy in a bigger tank. Don’t sweat it tho as there is a lot of misinformed people and companies who believe Bettas can be kept in such small tanks or bowls... which they can survive with enough maintenance but they just aren’t going to live as happy and healthy of a life. Good luck and I wish you the best! Such a pretty little guy

Thanks! His name is Pietro (Marvel reference haha!) The lady at the pet store told me to feed him one pellet or a flake a day. To me that seems a bit cruel, how often should they be fed? Twice a day? Also, when I do get a 5 gallon tank, can I add live plants or a couple guppies, or should he live alone? Thanks

 

The lady at the pet store told me to feed him one pellet or a flake a day. To me that seems a bit cruel, how often should they be fed? Twice a day? Also, when I do get a 5 gallon tank, can I add live plants or a couple guppies, or should he live alone?

A good rule of thumb to follow is to feed as big as their eye, as that's how big their stomach's approximately are. Feeding twice a day is fine.

When you get a 5 gallon tank you can add live plants. It's too small to have a community tank with other fish, but you can have shrimps or snails. It also depends entirely on the individual betta whether they tolerate any tank mates or not.

 

A good rule of thumb to follow is to feed as big as their eye, as that's how big their stomach's approximately are. Feeding twice a day is fine.

When you get a 5 gallon tank you can add live plants. It's too small to have a community tank with other fish, but you can have shrimps or snails. It also depends entirely on the individual betta whether they tolerate any tank mates or not.

Thank you SO much for your help, I greatly appreciate it!!

 

If you're near a Petco, according to their web site, they're having a 1$ per gallon sale, but the smallest size is 10g. Yep, $10. That would give you room for a few smaller fish too.

But do, please read up on the nitrogen cycle. It means life or death to your fish! Keep asking questions too.

Best of luck

- tony -

 

Welcome!! And your betta boy is adorable you will get good advice here. Its a good place too, kind and helpful. Even if you make a mistake, people are more than willing to help you through it

 

Update: Currently, despite this itty bitty tank I currently have, my fishy is happy, he keeps coming to the front of the tank and looks at me Should be getting a 5 gallon tank this week, it comes with the filter, also going to purchase a heater and an air bubbler. The following week I will look into a couple live plants, and a pleco and or snails. Thank you EVERYONE for the wonderful advice, and look forward to making Pietro even happier than he already is!!

 

Update: Currently, despite this itty bitty tank I currently have, my fishy is happy, he keeps coming to the front of the tank and looks at me Should be getting a 5 gallon tank this week, it comes with the filter, also going to purchase a heater and an air bubbler. The following week I will look into a couple live plants, and a pleco and or snails. Thank you EVERYONE for the wonderful advice, and look forward to making Pietro even happier than he already is!!

Id opt for a snail, plecos need a huge, huge tank