What exactly is a King Betta

[wah543]

I was looking in petco and I saw this King Betta, what exactly is it is it a type of plakat or something

[Micho]

King Bettas are basically hybrids, they are a mix of Betta Splendens and the not so popular Betta Raja that was discovered in 2005. So a hybrid, they look like plakats.

They don't flare that often than regular Bettas, bit on the shy side.

[MrVampire181]

Not betta raja. Their genetics are unknown.

It's not possible for raja and splendens to interbreed.

[sparkyjoe]

Originally Posted by Micho

King Bettas are basically hybrids, they are a mix of Betta Splendens and the not so popular Betta Raja that was discovered in 2005. So a hybrid, they look like plakats.

They don't flare that often than regular Bettas, bit on the shy side.

Huh, my King will flare at anything that looks at him sideways and he's super outgoing, always rushing to the side of the tank whenever a person is in the room with him. I guess he's just "special." lol

Here's an interesting thread about Kings. http://www.bettafish.com/showthread.php?t=99066

[wah543]

Oh that cleared things up thanks, not sure if I should get one or not

[sparkyjoe]

Originally Posted by wah543

Oh that cleared things up thanks, not sure if I should get one or not

I think that's totally personal preference.

My king boy, Uther, was my 3rd betta, and although the idea of a king appealed to me I could only find the wild color types locally and they aren't my favorite. Well, I was looking at the fish at Petco and found this one plain ol' wild colored king. I took a pic to prove how big they were, but then I couldn't stop thinking about him. I went back several times over the next two weeks and he was getting more sickly looking all the time.

I finally decided that if he was still there the next time I went back I would get him. He was and I did.

As with any of the betta fish, it's all about personal preference. They eat the same foods and have the same basic requirements of any betta splendens, but they need a bit more room due to their larger size.

If any betta catches your eye or heart, and you can afford both the fish and the proper home for it, then I don't have a compelling reason you shouldn't get him. Heck, if I did I wouldn't have 4 in my house and want at least one more!

[wah543]

Yeah I already have 4 maybe I'll hold up on it for now

[LinkLover]

What would be the best tank size? And how much would you feed them?

[MrVampire181]

King bettas require larger tanks and food due to their size. A five gallon is ideal.

[LinkLover]

Oh ok. Since they are typically shy from what I have heard, should they have even more cover/hiding spots than regular bettas? (I don't want to take over this thread, so let me know if I am. Sorry!)