🐠 General Overview

The Dumbo Candy Galaxy Plakat Male Betta is one of the most eye-catching and artistic varieties of Betta splendens. It combines three distinctive traits — large pectoral “Dumbo” fins, Candy multicolor patterning, and Galaxy metallic speckles — on a short-finned Plakat body.

This variety is admired for its vibrant candy-like hues, iridescent galaxy reflections, and oversized pectoral fins that resemble elephant ears, gracefully fanning as it swims. The Dumbo Candy Galaxy Plakat is both powerful and elegant — a bold statement fish in any aquarium.

✨ Key Features

• Scientific Name: Betta splendens

• Common Name: Dumbo Candy Galaxy Plakat Betta

• Tail Type: Plakat (short fin)

• Fin Feature: Dumbo (large pectoral fins)

• Gender: Male

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

• Family: Osphronemidae

🎨 Coloration

• Base Color: Candy multicolor — usually a blend of red, orange, blue, yellow, black, and white

• Galaxy Pattern: Iridescent metallic blue or turquoise speckles scattered across the body and fins

• Pectoral Fins: Extra-large “Dumbo” fins, often lighter or more metallic than the body

• Body Finish: Glossy and highly reflective; can show deep marbling as the fish matures

• Fins: Richly patterned with multiple colors and metallic accents

• Overall Appearance: A living rainbow — fiery candy tones with glowing galaxy shimmer, accentuated by elegant Dumbo fins

🧬 Genetic Background

• Dumbo gene: Produces enlarged pectoral fins that resemble elephant ears

• Candy gene: Causes multicolored marbling (red, orange, white, blue, black)

• Galaxy (marble) gene: Adds metallic blue, turquoise, or green iridescent speckles

• Metallic gene: Enhances scale thickness and reflective sheen

• Marble gene: Causes continuous color evolution — patterns may shift or expand with age

• Result: A robust short-finned betta with vivid candy colors, glowing metallic patterns, and graceful Dumbo fins

📏 Size

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

• Body Type: Compact and muscular — typical Plakat shape

• Fins: Short, strong fins with large, flowing pectorals

🧭 Behavior

• Temperament: Territorial and aggressive toward other males

• Activity Level: Active, confident, and highly interactive

• Personality: Intelligent and curious — often responds to human movement

• Tankmates: Best kept alone or with calm species such as snails or shrimp

🌿 Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum 5 gallons

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

• pH Level: 6.5–7.5

• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

• Filtration: Gentle flow — Dumbo fins can be strained by strong currents

• Lighting: Moderate to bright; enhances metallic and candy hues

• Décor: Add plants, caves, and smooth ornaments for resting spots

• Lid: Always keep covered — bettas can jump

🍽️ Diet

• Diet Type: Carnivorous

• Preferred Foods:

  • High-protein betta pellets

  • Live or frozen bloodworms

  • Brine shrimp

  • Daphnia

  • Mosquito larvae

• Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times daily, in small portions

• Feeding Tip: Include live foods regularly to enhance color vibrancy and fin health

🧫 Breeding Information

• Type: Bubble nest builder

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

• Pairing: Introduce female carefully, then remove her after spawning

• Process:

  • Male builds a bubble nest

  • Courtship occurs beneath the nest

  • Female lays eggs; male guards and tends the nest

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

💎 Special Traits

• Large Dumbo fins: Resemble fluttering elephant ears, adding a graceful swimming motion

• Candy multicolor pattern: Bright and varied color palette across the body

• Galaxy metallic overlay: Iridescent speckles and patches that shimmer like stars

• Short fins: Strong and resistant to tearing

• Highly expressive: Displays strong personality and interactive behavior

❤️ Care Tips

• Keep water clean and warm to maintain metallic and candy brightness

• Avoid sharp or rough decorations to protect Dumbo fins

• Provide calm water flow to prevent fin fatigue

• Feed a varied, high-protein diet for health and color enhancement

• Perform weekly 25–30% water changes

• Do not house with aggressive or fin-nipping tankmates

📚 Summary Table