I recently lost my halfmoon betta and decided to try something different this time instead of the dramatic long-fin types. I picked up this guy and I’m pretty sure he’s a male plakat, but I’m curious if there’s a more specific type or color pattern name for him. His eyes also have a reddish iris.
I’m wondering if the blue speckling on the body will intensify or spread as he matures, or if this is likely the final pattern.
Would this be considered a metallic plakat, wild-type coloration, or possibly some kind of hybrid?
I’m used to keeping the dramatic tail bettas, so plakats are new territory for me and I’d love to learn more about his type and coloration.
https://www.reddit.com/gallery/1rsel0d
Posted by Topangel777
2 Comments
You might have an imbellis on your hands! Ran it by conservationist GF, likely its a B. splendens hybrid just because there’s tons of hybridization between the two. Lovely fish!
https://preview.redd.it/62bj0kae4rog1.jpeg?width=975&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=729aabb8fdefc28fcbb05a1e77f316522577b735
Here’s a closer picture of him since he’s surprisingly cooperative for photos.
My LFS doesn’t usually sell plakats and had him labeled as a “halfmoon king male.” They had an oversupply of bettas this week and received some types they don’t normally carry, so I’m assuming they may have just placed them in whatever cups were available.
Without flash his body actually looks very dark almost a deep brown/black. The only parts that really reflect strongly under normal tank lighting are his fins, which show the bright electric blue rays.
With flash you can see some blue speckling on the body, but it’s much more subtle in person.