Samurai betta is a popular and unique species of betta fish. Japanese braves and elite warriors were called samurai. The Betta fish is already known as a fighter fish. But when the word samurai was added to their name, their popularity increased.
However, whether you are going to add Samurai Betta fish to your aquarium or have already added it, we will advise you to take proper care of this fish.
Caring for samurai betta fish is not a difficult task. You don’t have to spend a lot of time on this. But there are some general things you need to know. Such as tank size, life span, water parameters, feeding habits, filtration, behavior, etc. of this fish.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to care for samurai betta fish. If you want to know about it, then read this article till the end.
How the Samurai Betta Fish Originated
All the betta fish that are seen today have been developed through continuous breeding over many years. They are available in black, red, yellow, orange, and many other colors.
The samurai betta fish was discovered in Thailand a few decades ago. The fish originated from the breeding and mutation of an ichthyologist named Pichet Plasanguan.
A Samurai Betta is the epitome of a Samurai warrior. These fish are bicolor. The scales on their heads are brightly colored. It looks like they have armor on their head, like warriors
| Common Names | Samurai Betta |
| Scientific Name | Betta splendens |
| Adult Size | Approximately 2.5–3 inches |
| Lifespan | 2–4 years |
| Family | Osphronemidae |
| Origin | Thailand |
| Temperament | Aggressive |
| Compatibility | Best kept alone |
| Tank Mates | It’s better to leave them alone |
| Minimum Tank Size | 5 gallons |
| Diet | Carnivorous |
| Prey | Insects, small organisms |
| Habitat | Streamless ponds, wetlands, and paddy fields |
| Color | Various, often vibrant |
| Skin Type | Scales |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Breeding | A complex bubble nest builder |
| pH Level | 6.0 – 7.5 |
| Water Hardness | Soft to medium |
| Temperature | 76°F to 82°F (24°C to 28°C) |
| Favorite Food | Live or frozen insects |
| Disease | The common ones include popeye, fin rot, fin infection, and bacterial infection from leftover food |
| Tank Maintenance | Weekly partial water change |
Why is it called samurai?
Samurai Beta has become a masterpiece due to its unique color pattern. It was Mr. Pichet who gave this fish the name Samurai. He considered samurai betta fish to be warriors.
The bright color on the heads of the Samurai Beta makes it look like they are wearing helmets like warriors.
Samurai: The word “samurai” refers to a class of highly skilled and revered warriors in ancient Japanese society. They were known for their discipline, loyalty, and martial expertise. The term “samurai” often evokes qualities like strength, honor, and resilience.
Betta fish: Betta fish, also known as Siamese fighting fish, are a species of freshwater fish known for their vibrant colors, flowing fins, and territorial behavior. They are popular aquarium fish due to their striking appearance.
When these two terms are combined, “samurai betta fish” probably refers to betta fish that possess characteristics reminiscent of a samurai warrior. This term is used to describe betta fish with a striking, warrior-like appearance.
How do you identify a samurai betta fish?
The color of the Samurai Betta fish is a unique black-and-white, like ancient samurai armor. The Samurai Betta fish is also known for its vibrant colors and aggressive behavior. It is important to note that the samurai betta fish name, like other popular color names of Siamese fighting fish, is not officially defined and is not specified in any international standard.
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How big do samurai bettas get?
An adult samurai betta fish is 2-3 inches (5-7.6 cm) in size. However, proper tank size, care, and nutritious feeding are necessary for proper growth. Many people keep betta fish in small bowls where they will not grow properly.
What is the lifespan of a samurai betta fish?
The average lifespan of Betta fish is 2–4 years. Your Samurai Betta can live longer than that if you keep them happy and well-cared for and provide the ideal environment.
How to identify betta fish, male or female
It is very difficult to determine the sex of betta fish when they are young. It is possible to determine their sex only when they are adults.
Identify by color: Male samurai bettas have brighter and more vibrant colors than females.
Vertical stripes on the female’s body: Female Samurai Betta fish have vertical spots on their bodies when they are ready to mate. This does not happen in men’s bodies.
Differences in body shape: Generally, females are slightly shorter and wider-bodied than male bettas.
Fin size: Male samurai betta fish have longer and thicker ventral fins than females. Most female fish have shorter caudal fins, and males have longer.
Women’s egg spot: Adult female bettas have an “egg spot” between the ventral and anal fins. It is actually the ovipositor, which is used to lay eggs.
Bubble nest: During mating season, male bettas build bubble nests. Women don’t do that.
Aggression: Male samurai bettas are very aggressive. They start attacking other male and female bettas on sight. Males spend some time with females only during mating season.
Females, on the other hand, are slightly less aggressive than male samurai bettas.
Care guidelines for your Samurai Betta fish
A Samurai Betta is also known as a Betta Splendos. Their specific needs need attention to ensure their well-being. There are a few things you need to keep in mind to keep your Samurai Betta happy and healthy.
What is the idle tank size of the Samurai Betta?
In nature, Betta fish like to live in shallow water without currents. They like to swim. Choose a large tank for them, keeping in mind their natural needs. Use a tank of at least 5 gallons for your samurai.
Fish will enjoy swimming in large tanks. It will help them grow and stay healthy.
What should be the water parameters for Samurai Betta?
Temperature: Bettas are tropical fish. They need warm water to stay healthy and active. A temperature of 76–82°F (24–28°C) is ideal for them. Set the tank water temperature between them. You can use a heater for this.
pH Level: Keep the pH of your samurai betta fish tank water between 6.5 to 7.5. Betta fish can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline environments, but they generally prefer slightly acidic conditions. Sudden fluctuations in pH can stress fish.
Ammonia and Nitrite Levels: Ammonia and nitrite are toxic to betta fish. Keep both levels at zero. Regular water testing is essential, especially in newly established aquariums, to ensure that the nitrogen cycle is properly established.
Nitrate Levels: Keep nitrate levels less than 20 ppm (parts per million). Regular water changes help control nitrate levels and maintain good water quality.
Water Hardness: Bettas prefer soft water, but they can tolerate a wide range of GH between 5 – 20 DH, or 70 – 300 ppm, and 2 to 12 dKH (carbonate hardness). Keeping water within these standards is essential for their happiness and well-being. Very hard water can be harmful to bettas.
What should the filtration look like?
The samurai betta fish has a special respiratory system. With which they can breathe directly from the air. For this reason, it is not necessary to keep a filter in the betta fish tank.
However, there are some advantages to using a filter in a betta fish tank.
Maintains water quality: Filters help biological cycles by breaking down harmful substances such as ammonia and nitrites, ensuring a stable and healthy water environment for betta fish.
Reduces Toxins: Filters remove inedible food, fish waste, and other debris from the water, preventing the buildup of toxins that can harm fish.
Oxygenation: Filtration systems often stimulate the water surface to promote oxygen exchange, increasing oxygen levels essential for Betta’s health.
Improves Clarity: A filter helps keep water clear and clean, provides a better view, and creates a more aesthetically pleasing environment.
Reduces Maintenance: Filters need to be cleaned regularly; this reduces the frequency of complete water changes, making overall tank maintenance more manageable.
Diet of samurai betta fish
Samurai betta fish are carnivores. They need food rich in animal protein for their health and growth.
Betta fish can be fed specially formulated foods such as betta flake, pellets, and frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia.
Never overfeed your fish. Due to excess consumption, fish may suffer from constipation and digestive problems. Avoid overfeeding at all costs.
The Behavior of Samurai Betta Fish
Betta fish are known for their aggressive behavior. Both male and female bettas are aggressive by nature. However, male bettas tend to be more aggressive than females.
If you want to keep betta fish, keep only one betta in a tank.
They are aggressive and territorial. They will attack other animals on sight in their territory. Especially if two male Bettas are facing each other. In this case, they will start fighting until one of them escapes or dies.
Likes to be alone: Due to their aggression, it’s recommended to keep male Bettas separately in their own tanks to prevent conflicts.
Interaction with Other Fish: They might show aggression towards other species with colorful fins or fish that resemble Bettas. It’s essential to choose tankmates carefully to avoid conflicts.
Where can I buy Samurai Betta?
If you want to buy samurai betta fish, check with your local fish store first. If they don’t have it, order them to bring it.
You can also buy your favorite fish from the online store. You will find many platforms, like Petco, eBay, or Betta Fish forums, where you can buy the best fish of your choice.
Social Media and Online Marketplaces: Check out social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram for betta fish hobbyist groups or breeders. From here, you will find many people whom you can contact to collect your favorite betta fish.
Samurai Betta Fish Price
The price of Samurai Betta fish can vary depending on several factors:
Size of Samurai Betta: The size of the fish affects its price. Larger fish may cost more than smaller ones.
Color of Samurai Betta: Betta fish come in a variety of colors and patterns. Rare or uniquely colored fish cost more than ordinary fish.
Health: The overall health and condition of the fish affect the price of the fish. Healthy fish usually costs a bit more. Healthy fish can adapt and grow in any environment.
Source: Prices can also vary depending on where you buy the fish from. Prices vary between pet stores, local breeders, and online sellers.
As mentioned, prices for Samurai Betta fish often range from $15 to $40, but exceptional specimens or specific characteristics can cost more.
Prices for Samurai Betta fish often range from $15 to $35, but exceptional specimens or special features can cost more.
Before buying any fish, do a thorough inspection. Always buy fish from trusted sources.
To keep your Samurai Betta fish happy and healthy, don’t neglect to keep them in a suitable tank and take care of them.
Common Diseases and Treatment of Samurai Betta
Like other betta fish species, the samurai betta is susceptible to various diseases. Some common diseases of Samurai Betta fish are:
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis): This disease is caused by a parasitic infection. White spots on fish fins are a symptom of this disease.
Keep infected fish in salt water. Mix 2 tablespoons of aquarium salt in one liter of water. Keep the affected fish in this water for 48 hours. It will be very beneficial. If the level of the disease increases, then formalin or malachite green can be used. Also, keep the affected fish in slightly warm water.
Fin Rot: Another common disease of betta fish is fin rot. This disease is caused by a bacterial infection. This disease occurs due to impure water and a lack of regular maintenance.
Fish infected with this disease have to be treated by placing them in a quarantine tank. If your samurai is suffering from this disease, treat it as per the advice of a specialist veterinarian.
Velvet (Odinium): a parasite that causes a golden or rusty dust-like appearance on the body of fish. Drugs like formalin are used to treat this disease.
Dropsy: It is not a disease. Symptoms of disease The accumulation of fluid in the body of fish is called dropsy. Falling scales, swelling of the stomach and eyes, pale gills, and stuck fins on the body are the symptoms of this fast.
It is almost impossible to save the fish in this condition. Always keep the tank clean to prevent disease. Consult an experienced veterinarian for treatment of affected fish.
Popeye: Symptoms include swollen or puffy eyes, often due to a bacterial infection. Isolation of infected fish and treatment with antibiotics can help treat Popeye.
Treatment of disease involves isolating affected fish, maintaining water parameters, adjusting water temperature, and using appropriate drugs. It is extremely important to follow medication instructions closely and not overdose, as bettas can be sensitive to some treatments.
Take proper precautions to prevent disease.
- Always keep your Samurai Betta fish tank clean to prevent disease.
- Change the water regularly
- Never overfeed fish.
- Ensure appropriate tank conditions (tank size, temperature, filtration, etc.) to reduce disease susceptibility.
Difference Between Black Mamba and Black Samurai Beta
Black mamba and black samurai are two different species of betta fish. However, they have some physical differences.
The Black Mamba Betta fish has iridescent green or blue scales. These types of bettas have long-flowing fins and are very aggressive in nature.
They are named after the black mamba, a poisonous African snake. Like that snake, the black mamba betta has a smooth black color.
On the other hand, black samurai bettas are predominantly black in color but have red or maroon tints on their bodies. Their large, flowing fins resemble the swords of a samurai warrior. Black samurai are very popular in the pet fish world because of their attractive color and appearance.
When are female bettas ready to mate?
Betta fish are usually ready to breed at 4 months of age. Male bettas build bubble nests during breeding season. These fish are oviparous. The female betta lays eggs. When these eggs are released from the body, the male betta fertilizes them.
What are the signs that a female betta fish is ready to breed?
When female betta fish are ready to breed, they have striped reproductive stripes on their bodies. Their lower abdomen shows swelling.
Q: How often should I feed my Samurai Betta Fish?
Ans: Samurai betta fish have very small stomachs, about the size of their eyes. So feed them very little food. Feed them twice a day. Feed 2/3 pellets or flakes each time. Feed them live food 1/2 time a week. Remove excess food after eating.
Q: Do Samurai Betta Fish need a heater in their tank?
Ans: It depends on the temperature of the area. Heaters must be used in cold areas and during the winter. Or if your home has an air conditioner, you may need to use a heater to maintain the temperature. A heater is not required in summer or hot weather.
Remember that the ideal temperature for betta fish is 76°F to 82°F (24°C to 28°C). Always try to maintain this temperature in the Samurai Betta fish tank.
Q: Can Samurai Betta Fish live with other fish?
Ans: Betta fish are aggressive in nature. Especially men. That’s why it’s best to keep a Samurai Betta alone.
Final Words
Before buying a Samurai Betta fish, do a thorough inspection. Do not buy fish if you see signs of illness, such as torn fins, discoloration, or abnormal behavior. Make sure the fish is active, alert, and free of any visible health problems.
Buy betta fish from a reputable breeder or a known and trusted store. Avoid buying from places with overcrowded or poorly maintained tanks.
After bringing the betta fish home, allow them to gradually acclimate to the new tank environment. Float the bag in the tank to equalize the temperature. After keeping it like this for about 1 hour, release the betta fish into the tank water.
Hopefully, by now, you have learned a lot about your samurai betta. Now is the time to take proper care of them.
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