Assorted Male Betta Samurai 5cm

Assorted Male Betta Samurai

Betta breeding and the ability to choose out selective traits is almost an art form at this stage. Aquarists all around the world have been experimenting with betta colours and fin variations essentially since betta could be bred in captivity. Of these strains developed by breeders, quite easily the most stunning would be a samurai betta.

The samurai betta is a strain that is often bred in a red or black form with the latter being more common. Normally the jet black body is overlaid with platinum white scales that run across the face and back. The overlapping white scales loosely resemble a set of samurai armour. This eye-catching white reflects light beautifully in the home aquarium and makes these fish look absolutely amazing in any aquarium setting whether it's planted or hardscape only. Betta in general have developed a few false reputations, the first being that they can thrive in incredibly small environments like vases and jugs which is not true. Much like any aquarium fish they need proper filtration and a spacious environment relative to their max size of 5 - 6 cm. The second common misconception is that they are aquarium terrors which will kill every fish in sight. Though male fighters are aggressive to other males and potentially aggressive in tight environments, in a standard 35L aquarium they can be kept with other community fish.

They are also hardy tropical fish that can be kept in temperatures between 24-28 and also make for a fun breeding project due to the challenge of conditioning the male and female to breed and raise the fry. Males build a bubble nest and will deposit the eggs laid by females into it. After guarding the eggs and free swimming fry, the babies can be removed and raised separately. Bettas are naturally found in the waterways of Southeast Asia.

Tank Recommendations for your Assorted Male Betta Samurai
Samurai betta max out at around 5 - 6 cm mark and are surprisingly active and flashy fish which is why they would be great in a nano aquarium with a minimum volume of 35 L. They will however be great centrepiece fish in larger peaceful aquariums with slow-moving fish. The substrate of the aquarium is not too much of a concern however Samurai fighters will love a well-planted aquarium. This allows them to contrast amazingly against the bright plants but also gives them a place of refuge to hide as well.

Care should however be taken with the choice of filtration and hardscape in the tank. With the additional fin volume these fish can be slow swimmers and powerful filter intakes can cause the betta to get suctioned on it. Sharp hardscape materials can also lead to damage to the fins as well.

Suitable Tank Buddies
Samurai fighters are a relatively peaceful fish and actually often get bullied by other tank mates which nip at their trailing fins. Their slow nature also means they can get easily outcompeted during feeding time which is why care should be taken when selecting tank mates.

Usually Compatible
Small tetras such as neon, ember, rummy nose, and similar species.

Sometime Compatible
Dwarf cichlids such as Bolivian rams, or Apistogramma which may show aggression, or fast-moving species such as giant danios, torpedo barbs, or Congo tetras which might outcompete for food.

Rarely Compatible
Shrimp, other male betta, tiger barbs, and larger species such as uaru which will certainly outcompete the slower betta.

Feeding your Assorted Male Betta Samurai
Samurai betta are incredibly easy to feed. They take to a wide range of foods and should have a varied diet for optimal health, going them a range of flake, pellets, frozen, and live foods will not only make them thrive but also show off amazing colours. Because of their mostly top-dwelling nature, they should be given foods that readily float for them to eat easily.