HMPK Blue Samurai Betta (Male)

HMPK Blue Samurai Betta (Male) | A Bold and Striking Show-Quality Fighter

The Blue Samurai Betta is a fish that commands attention the moment it enters a tank. A Halfmoon Plakat (HMPK) — combining the clean 180-degree tail spread of the Halfmoon with the short, powerful fins of the Plakat fighting form — this variety brings together the best of both worlds: dramatic fin spread and vivid colouration without the fragility and maintenance demands of longer-finned varieties.

The Samurai pattern is what sets this fish apart. Named for the layered, scaled armour of the Japanese samurai, the colouration features a striking metallic blue iridescence overlaid with a distinctive scale-by-scale patterning that catches the light differently from every angle — shifting and shimmering as the fish moves through the water. No two Samurai Bettas are identical, making each one a genuinely individual specimen.

Why HMPK?

The Halfmoon Plakat is increasingly the preferred form among serious Betta enthusiasts. The shorter fins are far less prone to tearing and fin rot than long-finned varieties, the fish swims more naturally and actively, and the tail spread — when the fish is in full display — is every bit as impressive as a standard Halfmoon. For aquarists who want a Betta that is both visually spectacular and robust, the HMPK is the form to choose.

HMPK Blue Samurai Betta Care Guide

Care at a Glance

• Scientific name: Betta splendens
• Also known as: Halfmoon Plakat Betta, HMPK Betta, Samurai Betta
• Adult size: up to 2.5 inches (6 cm)
• Minimum tank size: 20 litres (5 gallons) — 40 litres (10 gallons) recommended for best results
• Temperature: 25–27°C (77–80°F)
• pH: 6.5–7.5
• Gentle filtration only — avoid strong currents that stress the fish and impede natural swimming
• Must be kept singly — males will fight if housed together
• Lifespan: 2–4 years with good care

Tank Setup

A planted tank with soft lighting, leaf hammocks or resting spots near the surface, and plenty of hiding places brings out the best in any Betta. The HMPK's shorter fins make it a stronger, more active swimmer than long-finned varieties — it will make full use of a well-decorated tank. Avoid sharp decorations that could damage fins, and ensure a tight-fitting lid is in place at all times — Bettas are accomplished jumpers.

Feeding

Carnivores with a healthy appetite. A high quality Betta pellet as a staple, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as bloodworm, daphnia, and brine shrimp, will keep him in peak condition and maintain the metallic intensity of his blue colouration. Feed small portions once or twice daily and remove any uneaten food promptly.

Tank Mates

• Small, peaceful bottom dwellers such as Corydoras and Kuhli Loaches
• Snails and larger shrimp — use caution with small shrimp
• Avoid fin-nipping species of any kind
• Avoid other male Bettas — males will fight
• Use caution with females — not all males will tolerate female Bettas outside of breeding setups