The centerpiece of the aquarium fashion show wearing the glowing white costume is what the Platinum Betta is in an aquarium. This majestic creature originated in Thailand and has been in the trade for over 150 years. Their long flowing tail and beautiful shiny appearance are some of the most popular fish for people who are just getting into the hobby of fish keeping.
Platinum Betta has a stunning all-white appearance which makes it feel stand out from the crowd. This breed is also part of the Betta splendens species. They are known for their shiny metallic coating. Each Betta is extremely unique and every specimen has a very colorful body and is of high quality.
The Platinum Betta, also known as the Platinum Plakat Betta is a very high-grade variant of the popular Plakat fish.
This species is tank bred but they are native to Thailand.
Overview of Platinum Betta
| Scientific name | Betta splendens |
| Common names | Platinum Betta |
| Native Place | Indigenous to Thailand |
| Color | All white coloration with a shiny metallic coating over their scales and fins. |
| Aquarium size | 5 gallons or bigger |
| Preferred temperature | 22.2°C to 27.8°C ( 72 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit) |
| pH level | 6.0 – 7.5 |
| Fish Size | 2 – 3 inches |
| Temperament | Peaceful when alone |
| Preferred food | flake foods, blood worms, frozen food, tablets, brine shrimp |
| Feeding period | Feed 12 hours apart, make the fishes fast for 24 hours once every 10 -14 days |
The Name
The name of this particular breed of Betta splendens was given as Platinum Betta due to their appearance. The shiny metallic appearance is what made this fish get the name as the color makes it look like a platinum jewel floating in the aquarium.
The appearance of Platinum Betta
They are known for their unique appearance of all-white scales however each specimen has its unique appearance. Each specimen has a very unique, one-of-a-kind variation color and it makes it stand out in the aquarium.
They grow to a range between 2 to 3 inches. They have majestic large-sized fins. They are considered to be very gorgeous in the species.
The females generally have short, round fins and the males have long flowing fins.
Due to the presence of marble genes, the bettas might change their color. However, that is not abnormal and is natural.
Platinum Betta Care
Platinum Bettas are straightforward to take care of, and beginner fish keepers can easily handle them. Some things to be kept in mind are:
- They should be 22.2°C to 27.8°C
- The tank should be 5 gallons or bigger.
- The pH should be between: 6.0 – 7.5
- A water filter should be kept to ensure the cleanliness of the water.
- The water current and water movement should be minimal
- Decorations and resting places must be provided
- Sponge filters can be used to minimize the water.
- They prefer to be alone; however, they can be put in small community aquariums.
Best Tank Conditions for Platinum Betta
Like other Bettas, Platinum Betta also has labyrinth Breathing organs that allow it to breathe oxygen from the surface. Because the fish needs to go to the surface to breathe, there needs to be enough free space for the fish to swim up. As the fish has very large tails, the fish will be weighed down by them and will not be able to swim up. The tank needs to be long and not tall as it will make it harder for the fish to swim up.
The tank can be 5 gallons or bigger; however, to ensure a comfortable life for the fish a the tank size may go up to even 10 gallons to make the life more comfortable. A filter should be placed to ensure the water stays clean and provide a healthy environment for the fish.
Like other Bettas, they are also happier living in calm stagnant water with minimal water current and movement. However, filters do cause water movement, which could make the fish feel uncomfortable. What one can do is to either regulate the outflow of the filter or use Sponge filters.
Wide spaces should be provided to the fishes as they like to swim around freely, but resting places and decorations should be provided to ease the fish into the new habitat. Hiding places are also recommended to be provided.
These fish do prefer to be alone; however, they can be put in small community tanks. They are generally peaceful fish, occupy different water column layers, and are too big to be considered prey.
Also, Read | Betta Macrostoma: Unique Beauty from Brunei
Food & Feeding of Platinum Betta
Platinum Bettas are carnivorous fish that can be fed a variety of food. Because they are carnivores, they generally eat animal matter. Their diet is similar to that of other Betta fish. They need to be provided with a balanced diet which would help them have a long comfortable life. Various Betta-specific food can also be fed to them. Other food such as tablets, flake food, frozen food, bloodworms, and daphnia.
They have to be fed twice a day, with a twelve-hour gap between each feed. The fish should also fast for 24 hours every 12 to 14 days.
Breeding of Platinum Betta
The males have bigger fins than the female, and the females have short round fins. These fish species are bubble nest breeders, which means that the male Platinum Betta will create a bubble nest at the top of the aquarium.
Bubble nests refer to the nest created by some fish species using bubbles made from oral secretion such as saliva. This nest appears as a floating mass on the top of the water body.
The eggs will be developed in the bubble nest for about 24 hours before it hatches.
Also, Read | Dragon Scale Betta: Magnificent Fish In Shining Armor!
Best Tank Mates of Platinum Betta
These fish are generally considered peaceful, unlike the majority of the other Bettas and some fishes can be put in the same tank as the Platinum Betta fish. Some of the fishes which can be put with them are Neon Tetra, Molly Fish, Harlequin Rasbora, Kuhli Laoch, Cory Catfish, Celestial Pearl, and Danio.
Price of Platinum Betta
A tank-bred Platinum Betta could cost up to $20. They are less expensive when compared to other Bettas. They are not just less expensive. They are also beautiful and will be a gorgeous addition to the fish tank.
Platinum Betta FAQ
Here are a few questions we hear often, when talking about Platinum Betta.
What is a Platinum Betta?
Platinum Betta is a high-grade variety of the Betta splendens species. It is known for its all-white coloration throughout the body.
Do Platinum Bettas change color?
Yes, Platinum Bettas do change color. It is due to the marble genes present in the species.
How long do Platinum Betta fish live?
A betta fish lives to an age between 2 to 4 years; however, its life could be extended to five years under proper care. The lifespan of the fish directly depends on the environment it is kept in.
Why is my Platinum Betta turning black?
The Betta could be changing color mainly due to two reasons. Due to old age, stress, and injury, the second could be because of the marble genes present in them. One need not be scared about the color changes unless they are showing other signs of illness.
Conclusion
Among the other pretty bettas comes this amazing breed of bettas called Platinum Bettas. These bettas are pretty cheap compared to the other bettas and are totally worth the cost one would have to pay to have these beauties for your fish tank. With their big beautiful tails and unique appearance, Platinum Bettas would definitely be an amazing choice if one is looking to buy a fish as your pet. The aquarium requirements needed for a Platinum Betta is almost the same as any other betta fish. Make sure to give the Platinum Betta the best habitat with the best living conditions if one is planning to get it.
Everything one needs to know about Platinum Betta, their breed and how to take care of them is discussed in this article. Hope it was useful!
