Fin Forms
There are around 12 recognized
variations of caudal (tail) fin forms.
As with the Guppy (Poecilia reticulata), Betta Splendens carry a diverse range
of caudal shapes and in recent years, the size of the caudal has grown much
larger. Although still rare, Betta Splendens are now beginning to evolve tails
as large as 200 degrees. In spite of the variations, all Siamese Fighting Fish
caudal fins should have rays evenly distributed above and below the fin center
line. Roundness and fullness are the ideal.
Please note that although there are some strains that produce females with long
finnage, this characteristic is not desirable in show lines and should be reserved
for the male.
Below is a brief description of the more common Betta Splendens tail forms.
Plakat Thai
Plakat Thai Bettas are the original fighting stock. They have short dorsal and
caudal fins and were the first
strain developed in Thailand. These are the fish that all long finned Betta
Splendens originated from and of
course have been bred into most of the Betta color strains. Because of the narrow
caudal fin, Plakat Thais'
are essentially Half-moon in tail form. Unfortunately, they do not contribute
Half-moon genes to long fin
Bettas. All that results from a Half-moon / Plakat Thai breeding is Veil Tail
fry. Genetically, Plakat Thais' only serve to Plakat Thais', even when bred
to long finned Bettas.
Half-Moon
To constitute a true Half-moon the tails must span exactly 180 degrees, with
perfectly straight radius, and a
nice smooth arc. No exceptions.
This is one reason that a pair of true Half-moons will command silly prices.
Half-moons also exhibit extended dorsal, anal, and ventral fins and this is
the preferred form. The color morphs of Half-moon Betta Splendens are more limited
than other strains but this is developing fast. They have been successfully
bred in Steel Blue, Royal Blue, Green, Turquoise, Marble, Butterfly and the
latest colors including White Opaque, Red, Orange and Black (Melanos). I believe
that the current Half-moon challenge is to breed a Normal Black (Black Lace)
or a Yellow strain.
Single Tail
Single Tailed Betta Splendens were the first type of Bettas to be developed
after the short finned type.
Normal Single tailed Bettas, with minimal tail width, are virtually non-existent
in shows. This is because Delta
and Half-Moon varieties are technically Single-tailed Betta Splendens and they
are the current trend in today's
shows.
Veil Tail
The Veil Tail strain is classed anything with a
tail larger than a normal Single Tail, and yet
smaller than a Delta Tail. A Veil Tail is the
smallest size caudal an aquarist should use
when breeding for show quality fish.
Delta Tail
Delta Tailed Betta Splendens have been
around at least a decade now. Delta tails are
classed as anything larger than a Veil Tail yet
smaller than the Half-moon.
Double Tail (Twintail)
Double Tail Bettas possess two distinct caudal
lobes, with a complete separation to the base of
the caudal peduncle. Overlapping lobes are
desired and should always be a factor in any
breeders breeding program. They also possess
a larger dorsal fin. Additionally, the bodies of
Double Tails are more stocky that other Betta
Splendens.
Breeders should strive to produce Double Tail
Bettas with as large lobes as possible and many
use Half-moons with Double Tail lines to
increase the width of the lobes.
More
on the Double Tail (Twintail)...
Heart Tail
Heart Tail Betta Splendens are actually a type of Double Tail. The split of
the double tail only occurs at the
outer edge of the caudal creating a notch in the tail forming a heart shape.
Although this strain is just a "faulty"
Double Tail, it is highly sought after. Many people trying to develop this strain
end up with true complete
Double-tails.
Round Tail
Round Tail Bettas are just as their name implies, Round Tailed. Usually they
have smaller tails than the
Half-moon variety but are often found in Half-moon spawns.
Triple Tail
This variety has, as its name suggests, three tails. It is quite a rare strain
and difficult to develop. It maybe
possible to evolve this strain into a strong type by inbreeding and out crossing
Double Tails.
Fuse Tail
Again, this is a highly prized rare strain. However, as with the Heart Tail
it is also a "faulty" morph .Fuse tail
Betta Splendens are actually Double-tails whose caudal lobes are fused together.
Because breeders strive for
complete splits in Double Tails, the chance of getting Fused Double Tails is
low.
Fuse Fin
Fuse Fin Bettas are unique and very rare. Their Dorsal, Caudal, and Anal fins
are joined together to form a
single fin. Fuse Tail Bettas may hold the key to the evolution of true Fuse
Fin Bettas because Fuse Fin Bettas
have occasionally shown up in Fuse Tail spawns.