Halfmoon Betta (HM Purple Aurora)

In alkaline waters, a six-centimeter Purple Aurora flares violet and guards its ground.

HM Purple Aurora Betta: a stunning Halfmoon with iridescent purple-violet hues. Aggressive, 6–7cm, thrives in high-pH water. Shop live fish now!

• Water Conditions: High pH is the defining requirement for the HM Purple Aurora. Unlike many Betta splendens that prefer soft, acidic water, this line has been selectively bred and raised in alkaline conditions. Aim for a stable pH between 7.5 and 8.2 — consistency matters far more than chasing a specific number. Temperature should be maintained at 24–28°C (75–82°F) using a reliable heater, as sudden swings can trigger stress, fin clamping and disease. General hardness (GH) of 8–15 dGH and carbonate hardness (KH) of 4–8 dKH suit this fish well. A tank of at least 20 litres (5 gallons) is the bare minimum for a single male; 40 litres (10 gallons) or more is strongly recommended to make maintenance easier and dilute waste. Use a gentle, low-flow filter — sponge or baffled hang-on-back — because the HM's heavy, flowing fins act like sails in strong currents. Cycle the tank fully before introducing your betta, and perform weekly 25–30% water changes with dechlorinated, temperature-matched water. Test pH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate regularly; in high-pH water, ammonia is more toxic, so pristine water quality is non-negotiable.
• Suitable Tank Mates: With an aggressive temperament, the HM Purple Aurora is best kept as a solitary centrepiece. Males will fight other males — and often females — so never house two bettas together. In a well-planted aquarium of 40 litres or more, you can sometimes keep peaceful, non-fin-nipping tank mates that tolerate alkaline water. Good candidates include small Corydoras catfish (such as bronze or peppered corys), Otocinclus, nerite snails and mystery snails. Fast-moving mid-water fish like Harlequin Rasboras or Glowlight Tetras may work if the tank is spacious and densely decorated, but there is always a risk of fin nipping or predation. Avoid guppies, mollies (which can be nippy and prefer harder water), fancy goldfish, tiger barbs, and any long-finned species such as angelfish or other bettas. Shrimp and small snails may be eaten. Every betta is an individual: some ignore tank mates, others attack relentlessly. Always have a backup plan — a spare cycled tank or divider — in case aggression escalates. If in doubt, keep this fish alone; a single betta in a beautifully aquascaped tank is a stunning and stress-free display.
• Feeding Habits: The HM Purple Aurora is a carnivorous micropredator. In the wild, bettas eat insects, larvae and small crustaceans. In captivity, offer a varied diet to maintain vibrant colour, strong fins and good health. High-quality betta pellets should form the staple — choose a formula with 35–45% protein. Supplement with frozen or live foods such as bloodworm, brine shrimp, daphnia, and blackworm two to three times a week. These provide essential nutrients and trigger natural hunting behaviour. Feed small amounts two to three times daily, offering only what the fish can consume in two to three minutes. Overfeeding is the most common mistake with bettas; it leads to bloating, swim bladder issues and poor water quality. A single betta's stomach is roughly the size of its eye, so portion control is critical. One day per week, consider a fast to allow the digestive system to rest. Remove any uneaten food promptly. Avoid flake food designed for community fish, as it often lacks the protein density bettas need and can foul the water. Because this fish is aggressive, never feed live feeder fish; they are unnecessary and carry disease risk.
• Care Requirements: Caring for the HM Purple Aurora involves more than just water and food. This fish is a jumper — a tight-fitting lid is essential to prevent it from leaping out. Provide a well-planted tank with plenty of hiding spots: live or silk plants, driftwood, caves and Indian almond leaves (which also release beneficial tannins, though they may slightly lower pH — monitor if you need to maintain high pH). Betta hammocks and floating logs give resting spots near the surface, which is important because the HM's heavy fins make swimming tiring. Lighting should be moderate and consistent; an 8–10 hour photoperiod shows off the iridescent purple-violet sheen without encouraging algae. Keep the tank away from drafts and direct sunlight. Perform routine maintenance: weekly water changes, filter rinses in old tank water, and gravel vacuuming. Watch for common betta ailments — fin rot, velvet, ich and constipation — and quarantine new tank mates before adding them. Acclimate your new betta slowly using the drip method, especially if the store's pH differs from yours. With proper care, a well-bred HM Purple Aurora can live 3–5 years, growing to its full 6–7cm size within a year.