You are walking through the shop, looking at the tiny jars. Suddenly, you see a jar that looks too small. Inside is a Betta the size of a sausage. It stares at you. It flares. It looks like it wants to punch through the glass.
This is the Giant Betta. It is not a different species. It is a genetic mutation of the standard Plakat that makes it grow double the size.
1. How Big is “Giant”?
- Normal Betta: 2 to 2.5 inches (body + tail).
- Giant Betta: 3 to 4.5 inches.
- The “Junior” Giant: Some shops sell “Giants” that are just slightly large Plakats (2.5 – 3 inches). A True Giant should look unnaturally large, like a monster.
2. The Tank: Throw Away the 5-Gallon
We always say 5 Gallons is the minimum for a Betta. For a Giant, 5 Gallons is a prison cell.
- The Waste Factor: A fish that is 2x bigger poops 4x more. In a small tank, Ammonia will spike overnight.
- The Swimming Room: He is powerful. One flick of his tail sends him across a small tank. He needs running room.
- Minimum Size: 10 Gallons (40 Liters). Ideally, a standard 2-foot tank.
3. The Diet: He Eats Like a Horse
Do not use the “Eyeball Rule” here. His eyeball is huge.
- The Cost: If you feed a normal Betta 4 pellets, the Giant needs 10 to 15 pellets per meal. You will go through a bottle of Hikari Bio-Gold in a month.
- The Menu: He needs meat. Large pellets, crickets, or whole market shrimp (chopped up).
- The Risk: Because they eat so much, they are prone to severe constipation. You MUST fast them once a week (The Sunday Rule).
4. The Temperament: A Gentle Giant?
Surprisingly, Giants are often less aggressive than normal Plakats.
- Why? They know they are the King. They don’t feel the need to chase everything.
- The Bite: However, if he does decide to bite, it is serious. A normal Betta nip tickles. A Giant Betta bite feels like a pinch. He can shred a tank mate (or a shrimp) in seconds.
5. The “Short Life” Warning
Here is the sad truth breeders don’t tell you. Giant Bettas die young.
- Normal Lifespan: 3 – 5 years.
- Giant Lifespan: 2 – 3 years.
- Why? Their bodies grow too fast for their internal organs. Their metabolism is turbocharged. They essentially “burn out” faster.
6. The Price Tag
- Normal Plakat: RM 10 – RM 30.
- Giant Plakat: RM 80 – RM 300+. You are paying for the rarity and the months of heavy feeding the breeder had to do.
The Shop Guy’s Verdict
If you have a big empty tank (like a 2-foot planted tank) and you want a “Wet Pet” that acts like an Oscar or a Flowerhorn but stays manageable—Get a Giant. He is impressive. He has presence. Just make sure your wallet is ready for the food bill.
