Red Samurai HMPK (Betta splendens)
These fish display a red body with the thick, armour-like dragon scaling that gives the samurai pattern its warrior-like appearance. The best examples show a distinct "helmet" marking on the head. The dragon scale genetics mean the pattern can continue to develop with age, and these fish are best appreciated under good directional lighting to bring out the depth of the scaling.
As a halfmoon plakat, this male combines the full 180 degree tail spread of the halfmoon with the shorter fins of a plakat, giving a broad, fan-like tail on a stockier, more robust body. The shorter finnage traces back to the fighting bettas historically bred across Southeast Asia, making this variety a hardy, agile swimmer.
Juveniles often don't display full colouration and become more and more vivid as they age, making them fascinating to watch as they change.
Care
Origin: Indonesia
Temperature: 24-27℃
pH: 6.5-7.5
Ammonia: 0
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: <20
Water Flow: Gentle
Food: high grade betta pellet, frozen bloodworm, frozen brine shrimp, frozen white mosquito larvae.
We recommend catappa leaf as a natural botanical that provides tannins, cover and leaf-litter habitat, helping to create a more natural environment for your fish. Research also suggests possible additional health benefits., and keeping an eye on the eyes over time, as heavy dragon scale genetics can occasionally cause scaling to encroach over them.
Red Samurai Male HMPK #1
Betta Care
For full care information, see our Betta Care Guide and Guide to Tank Cycling.(Both open in new tabs)
Quick guide
Tank: A 25–30 litre or larger aquarium with a secure lid. Larger volumes are easier to keep stable and provide more room to swim and explore.
Temperature: Keep the water stable at 24–27°C.
Water Quality: The aquarium must be fully cycled. Ammonia and nitrite should read 0 ppm, with nitrate preferably below 20 ppm. Aim for a stable pH around 6.5–7.5 rather than repeatedly adjusting it.
Environment: Provide gentle filtration, plants, smooth shelter and resting places, with clear access to the water surface.
Feeding: Offer small amounts of an appropriate Betta diet and remove uneaten food promptly. Avoid overfeeding.
Maintenance: Change around 25–30% of the water weekly, using dechlorinated water brought reasonably close to the aquarium temperature.
Compatibility: Keep no more than one male Betta in an undivided aquarium. Choose any tank mates carefully for the aquarium size and the individual fish, and be prepared to separate them if problems develop.
Lifespan: Typically around 3–5 years, although this varies.
Avoid bowls: Bettas need a properly heated, filtered and suitably furnished aquarium.
