🐠 General Overview

The Candy Fire Galaxy Plakat Male Betta is one of the most colorful and dynamic varieties of Betta splendens. This short-finned (plakat) male displays a candy-like mix of vibrant colors — red, orange, blue, yellow, and white — layered with a galaxy metallic shimmer. The “Fire” in its name refers to its intense red and orange tones, while the “Galaxy” describes the iridescent metallic speckles that resemble glowing stars over a nebula of color.

Bred primarily in Thailand, this Betta is a result of expert crossbreeding between Fancy Candy, Galaxy, and Metallic Betta lines, known for their vivid hues and strong body shape.

✨ Key Features

• Scientific Name: Betta splendens

• Common Name: Candy Fire Galaxy Plakat Betta

• Tail Type: Plakat (short fin)

• Gender: Male

• Origin: Thailand and Indonesia — from Fancy Galaxy and Candy Fire lines

• Family: Osphronemidae

🎨 Coloration

• Base Color: Usually red, orange, or deep crimson

• Pattern Type: Candy Fire — irregular blends of multiple bright colors (red, orange, yellow, blue, and white)

• Galaxy Layer: Metallic or iridescent spots in shades of blue, turquoise, or green scattered across the body and fins

• Fins: Multicolored, often with a glowing metallic sheen and a contrasting outline

• Head: Often darker (black or deep red) for a fiery contrast

• Overall Look: A living flame — bright candy tones mixed with glowing metallic reflections that shimmer under light

🧬 Genetic Background

• Candy gene: Responsible for multicolor marbling — red, orange, white, and black patterns

• Fire lineage: Enhances red and orange intensity

• Galaxy gene: Adds metallic dots and iridescent reflections

• Metallic gene: Strengthens shine and gives reflective scale quality

• Marble gene: Causes color evolution as the fish matures — patterns may shift or expand over time

• Result: A multi-layered Betta with fiery candy tones and celestial metallic sparkles

📏 Size

• Adult Size: 2.5 – 3 inches (6 – 7.5 cm)

• Body Shape: Short and muscular; built for speed and strength

• Fins: Compact, rounded, and well-defined — signature of the plakat variety

🧭 Behavior

• Temperament: Territorial and aggressive toward other males

• Activity Level: Very active and energetic

• Interaction: Intelligent, interactive, and quick to recognize feeding routines

• Tankmates: Best housed alone or with calm species like snails or shrimp in larger aquariums

🌿 Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum 5 gallons for one male

• Water Temperature: 26–30°C (78–86°F)

• pH Level: 6.5–7.5

• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

• Filtration: Low-flow filter — bettas dislike strong current

• Lighting: Moderate or bright light to enhance galaxy shimmer and fire tones

• Décor: Plants, caves, and smooth stones to reduce stress and mimic natural habitats

• Lid: Strongly recommended — bettas can jump

🍽️ Diet

• Diet Type: Carnivorous

• Preferred Foods:

  • High-quality betta pellets (protein-rich)

  • Live or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia

  • Mosquito larvae for color enhancement

• Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times per day in small portions

• Feeding Tip: Alternate live and dry foods to boost color brilliance and vitality

🧫 Breeding Information

• Type: Bubble nest builder

• Breeding Temperature: Around 28°C (82°F)

• Pairing: Introduce female only during breeding; remove afterward

• Process:

  • Male constructs a bubble nest

  • Courtship leads to egg-laying beneath the nest

  • Male tends the eggs and fry until they become free-swimming

• Fry Feeding: Start with infusoria, then move to micro-worms and baby brine shrimp

💎 Special Traits

• Candy Fire color blend: Rich red and orange tones resembling fire or molten candy

• Galaxy metallic layer: Iridescent spots that shift under light

• Short, muscular fins: Allow faster swimming and reduce fin tearing

• Dynamic marbling: Colors often evolve with age

• Extremely vivid coloration: Perfect for display tanks and photography

❤️ Care Tips

• Keep water clean and warm to preserve color intensity

• Use gentle lighting to highlight metallic sheen without stressing the fish

• Avoid mirror use for long periods — males can become overly aggressive

• Feed high-protein diets to maintain bright reds and metallic tones

• Conduct 25–30% weekly water changes

• Avoid housing near other males to reduce territorial stress

📚 Summary Table