Plakat Betta
Betta splendens
About this strain
Short-finned and built for action — the Plakat is the closest domestic betta to its wild fighting ancestors. Caudal fin is rounded and compact, typically no more than 180° of spread and often much less; anal and dorsal fins are proportionally smaller than other fancy types. What they lack in flowing finnage they make up for in vigor, faster swimming, and significantly better fin integrity. Plakats are less prone to fin rot and tail-biting, making them excellent for planted tanks with moderate flow. They're also more active and often more aggressive than long-finned varieties. Highly recommended for keepers who want a hardy, lively fish.
Origin
Plakats are essentially the traditional Thai fighting betta, selectively refined over centuries in Thailand. The short-fin form has always existed alongside fancy types; Western hobbyists began actively importing and breeding show-quality Plakats in the 1990s and 2000s.