Description of the Traditional Plakat Betta Fish

Plakat, derived from the Thai word Plakad which means 'fighting fish', is a type of betta with no clear definition. What makes it distinct and unique has been commonly debated - until now! This article examines Traditional Show Plakats, which are bred for beauty rather than fighting prowess. It dives into not only what this strain could look like but also some of the strains crossbred to further understand how its appearance may vary despite having similar descendants in common. Appreciating these details can help us better understand one type of exotic aquatic pet: The show Plakat!

1. What is Plakat?

Wild Plakads live in a variety of fascinating habitats such as tranquil ponds and vibrant rice fields. These magnificent creatures come in two distinct varieties - the majestic Pah and Lukmoh strains.

Thailand is home to a wide variety of remarkable fish, including the Plakad Pah and its counterpart, the Plakad Lukmoh. The former can be found virtually anywhere in Thailand with its long body but lacks staying power during battle. On the other hand, their rarer relative -the Plakad Lukmoh- is bred mostly in captivity rather than found wild due to its impressive toughness and ability to stand up against a tough fight.

By crossing Plakad Lukmoh with Plakad Pah, the "Sangasi" (meaning Hybrid), or short "Plasang," were born. Although not as tough as their predecessor, they still prove formidable opponents in fights against other breeds and boast a similar look to Plakads Pahs'.

Plakad, or fighting fish, is a phenomenon originating from parts of Southeast Asia. With three common species – Betta Imbellis, Betta Samaragdina, and Mahachai Betta - the sport has become increasingly sophisticated with breeders cross-breeding these plucky creatures to enhance their abilities in combat! As an ever-popular hobby for many culture's around South East Asian countries this unique activity continues to delight enthusiasts looking for something off the beaten track.

Don't get confused! The Plakat and the Plakad are two distinct species of betta fish. While Betta Imbellis, Samaragdina, and Mahachai belong to the Wild category in competitive shows - not a mislabeled "Plakat" - other commonly used fighting varieties like Siamese Fighting Fish (Labyrinths) reside under different umbrellas altogether.

Plakad fighting fish have been carefully bred and crossbred from wild-caught specimens, earning them the nickname "Plakat Morh" in Thailand. These fierce creatures are a beloved species throughout Southeast Asia!

There are 4 subgroups of Plakads that are specially bred for fighting

1. 1. Plachon

The Snakehead Fish or Channa Striata, a type of Plachon fighter known for its long and slender body shape has been growing in popularity amongst breeders. These aggressive fighters are renowned for their remarkable speed, coupled with an exacting bite that could cut through any challenge!

1. 2. Plamor

Anabas Testudineus Form Type “Plamor” have an impressive defensive adaptation: a stout, thickly-scaled body that can brave any attack. Though not powerful fighters by nature, these aquatic creatures are capable of withstanding the toughest blows - making them formidable for even the mightiest opponent!

1. 3. Plakrai

The Chitala Ornata Form Type “Plakrai” is a truly formidable creature, with a slender body and sharp bite in battle! Looking from above, Plakrais have surprisingly slim shapes for their size - but trust us when we say they're powerful. These fish aren't called Spoon Heads without reason: Their curved peaks just beneath the mouth give them quite an impressive profile!

1. 4. Plasang

For a unique display of beauty and power, the Hybrid Plasang offers an intriguing combination. Cross-bred in either wild or captive settings to combine the advantages of each strain, these show Plakats come vibrant with beautiful coloration that is sure to captivate onlookers while also delivering their fighting prowess.

Breeders have blended the beauty of traditional show Plakats with long-fin betta Splendens to create a whole new breed: Short Fin Betta Splendens. With this hybrid, hobbyists can now appreciate more diverse and aesthetically pleasing caudal finned types! Both these species are stunning in their own right - it's an amazing example of hybridization at work.

2. The standard of a Traditional Plakat

As mentioned above, there is not really a standard that defines a traditional Plakat as being "beautiful". During my research, I found an article by the Singaporean author, Chris Yew. He defined a traditional Plakat as having the following characteristics.

2.1. The caudal shape

The shapes on the left and in the center are okay, but the Spade shape (on the left) is better. The jagged edges (on the right) shape is not okay. The caudal outer edges should be smooth.

2.2. The caudal spread

A Caudal Spread of 180 degrees is better than less or more than that. The so-called "over Halfmoon" caudal spread is not good in a Traditional Plakat.

2.3. The caudal edge

The edge of the caudal is usually rounded, rather than straight like the letter D.

2.4. The caudal rays split

There should not be more than Primary Split for the caudal. Having secondary or more splits is not ideal.

2.5. The dorsal shape

The dorsal shape should be like the left and center photos. There should be a pointed tip (P) just above the top (T) of the caudal fin (preferred), and not to the left or right of it. The right photo dorsal fin shape is not preferred. A smooth outer edge for the dorsal is preferred The first photo is better than the center and right photo for the dorsal fin shape.

2.6. The anal fin

The anal fin is shaped like a trapezium, but with a pointed tip that protrudes further than the bottom of the caudal fin. The center and right photo anal fins are not acceptable.

2.7. The ventral fins

Equal size, length, and long ventral fins are better than short and unequal. The ventral fins should be sturdy and long in shape but not thick and short.

2.8. The overall shape

The two photos above are Traditional Show Plakats. The one on the left is better than the one on the right. You can see how they look like the Plasang. Another point is that the fish with two tails is not acceptable as a Traditional Show Plakat. It is best classified as a Short Fin Betta Splender.