🐠 General Overview

The Fancy Plakat Betta Red Hellboy Male is a fiery, short-finned variety of Betta splendens, bred for its bold red coloration, muscular body, and intense presence. The name “Hellboy” refers to its deep, demonic red tone and strong, powerful look. This type combines the compact strength of a Plakat Betta with the striking vibrance of solid and marble red pigmentation.

Highly prized among collectors, it symbolizes power, dominance, and elegance in a single fish.

✨ Key Features

• Scientific Name: Betta splendens

• Common Name: Fancy Plakat Betta Red Hellboy

• Tail Type: Plakat (short tail)

• Gender: Male (brighter color, larger body, more territorial)

• Origin: Selectively bred in Thailand and Indonesia

• Family: Osphronemidae

🎨 Coloration

• Primary Color: Intense, blood-red or crimson body

• Secondary Tones: Occasional white, black, or metallic streaks on fins and face

• Fins: Usually solid red or edged with darker black or white tips

• Body Finish: Glossy, with a natural metallic sheen under good lighting

• Variants: Some “Hellboys” may show partial marble or dragon-scale patterns

Each Red Hellboy Betta is slightly unique — some appear pure red, others have black masks or white edges that add dramatic contrast.

🧬 Genetic Background

• Base Lineage: Derived from red marble and solid red Plakat lines

• Color Genes: Dominant red pigmentation gene with marble variations possible

• Fancy Lineage: Includes crossbreeding for enhanced metallic shine and color stability

• Dragon Gene (sometimes present): Adds slight scaling texture and extra brightness

📏 Size

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

• Body Shape: Compact, muscular, and balanced

• Fin Type: Short, rounded fins allowing fast movement and reduced tearing risk

🧭 Behavior

• Temperament: Aggressive, especially with other males

• Activity Level: Very active, constantly exploring or flaring

• Social Nature: Best kept alone or with small, peaceful species that stay away from its territory

• Display Behavior: Flaring and spreading fins to show dominance or attract a mate

🌿 Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 5 gallons (19 liters)

• Temperature: 26–30°C (78–86°F)

• pH Level: 6.5–7.5

• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

• Filtration: Gentle current (bettas dislike strong water flow)

• Lighting: Moderate to bright — enhances red vibrancy

• Décor: Plants, caves, and driftwood for hiding and exploration

• Lid: Necessary — bettas are known jumpers

🍽️ Diet

• Diet Type: Carnivorous

• Preferred Foods:

  • High-quality Betta pellets (protein-rich)

  • Live or frozen bloodworms

  • Daphnia

  • Brine shrimp

  • Mosquito larvae

• Feed 1–2 times daily in small portions. Remove uneaten food to prevent waste buildup.

🧫 Breeding Information

• Breeding Type: Bubble nest builder

• Pairing: Introduce female carefully; male can be very territorial

• Temperature for Spawning: Around 28°C (82°F)

• Process: Male builds a bubble nest → courts female → embraces her during spawning → guards eggs until fry hatch

• Post-Spawning: Remove female after egg release to prevent injury

• Fry Feeding: Infusoria or micro-worms initially, then baby brine shrimp

💎 Special Traits

• Deep, solid red coloration symbolizing dominance and vitality

• Short fins and strong body for excellent swimming power

• “Hellboy” intensity — often shows black mask or edge highlights

• Extremely photogenic under LED lighting

• Highly sought by breeders and collectors for its fiery look

❤️ Care Tips

• Keep tank water clean; change 25–30% weekly

• Avoid placing near another male betta’s tank — it can stress or trigger aggression

• Provide calm lighting and dark substrate to make red color appear deeper

• Condition before breeding with live or frozen protein foods

📚 Summary Table

IMAGES ARE FOR REPRESENTATIVE PURPOSES ONLY.