Halfmoon Plakat Male Betta (Betta splendens)

Halfmoon Plakat Male Betta (Betta splendens) combines the compact short fins of a Plakat with the broad tail shape associated with Halfmoon lines. In UK aquarium shops it is often shortened to HMPK Male Betta. Shorter finnage generally makes this form a stronger swimmer than extreme long-fin Bettas, while the male still has the territorial behaviour typical of Betta splendens.

This listing is for one male. Colour and pattern vary between individual fish, so use the current gallery as a representative guide rather than a promise of an identical specimen.

Quick care

• UK trade name: Halfmoon Plakat Male Betta / HMPK Male Betta
• Scientific name: Betta splendens
• Adult size: around 6–7 cm
• Practical aquarium baseline: 20 litres minimum; 25–30 litres gives better stability
• Temperature: around 25–28°C for routine care
• pH: roughly 6.0–7.5
• Temperament: territorial; males should not be housed together
• Diet: carnivorous, protein-focused

Aquarium setup

Use a heated, filtered aquarium with a secure lid and gentle flow. Bettas breathe atmospheric air using a labyrinth organ, so leave easy access to the surface and avoid covering every centimetre with floating plants.

Live plants, smooth wood and broad leaves provide useful cover and resting places. Avoid sharp plastic décor that can damage fins. A darker background and moderate lighting often help the fish settle and make colour easier to appreciate.

Temperature and water quality

Stable warmth is essential in UK homes. Aim for 25–28°C and verify the heater with a separate thermometer. Room temperature alone is rarely consistent enough through the year.

Ammonia and nitrite must remain at zero. Keep nitrate controlled with regular partial water changes and measured feeding. Bettas tolerate a reasonable pH range, but sudden changes are more stressful than a stable value within the suitable range.

Feeding

Use a good-quality Betta pellet as the staple and rotate small frozen or live foods such as daphnia, Artemia and bloodworm for variety. Feed small portions once or twice daily and adjust to body condition rather than to begging behaviour.

Remove uneaten food promptly. Overfeeding can lead to bloating and also damages water quality in small aquariums very quickly.

Tank mates

The safest setup is a single male Betta. In a larger planted aquarium, carefully chosen peaceful bottom dwellers or snails may work, but compatibility depends on the individual male.

Avoid other male Bettas, fin-nipping barbs, flashy male guppies and aggressive surface fish. Shrimp may be ignored or hunted depending on the fish, so they should never be considered guaranteed safe.

Breeding

Male Bettas build bubble nests and should only be introduced to a conditioned female in a dedicated breeding setup. After spawning, the female is normally removed and the male guards the eggs until the fry become free-swimming.

Breeding requires spare tanks, tiny fry foods and close control of water quality. It should not be attempted simply because a male and female are available.

Before ordering

Choose an HMPK male if you want an interactive single display fish and can provide a heated, cycled aquarium with gentle flow. Reconsider if the intended home is an unheated bowl, a very small container or a community with fin-nippers and other territorial surface fish.

Current price and stock are shown by the live product controls.