Bettas4all Standard: Chapter 3J - Form & Variations

[Roberto Silverii]

Chapter 3J: Finnage Characteristics – Form & Variations


By Joep van Esch
www.bettas4all.nl - The International Betta Forum


The form of fish shown in the Form & Variations class does not match the finnage characteristics of the other classes described in Chapter 3A to 3I.
Show bettas shown in the Form & Variations class are characterized by:
i.   A combination of one, two or three of the finnage variants described earlier in the other chapters, for example: doubletail crowntail (DTCT), doubletail veiltail (DTVT) and doubletail crowntail plakat (DTCTPK).
ii.   A new development with respect to size and/or form such as giants, fish with large pectoral fins and swordtails.


Importantly, the variation should not interfere with the swimming behavior and other general characteristics of the fish such as its condition, deportment and body shape as described in the general standard (see Chapter 3).



Figure 4J.1   Examples of fish which belong in the Form & Variation class
Doubletail veiltail (A), Doubletail crowntail (B), Doubletail crowntail plakat (C), Halfmoon plakat with large pectoral fins (D), Giant halfmoon plakat (E) and a Swordtail plakat (F)
(A) was bred by Kit Watchara (Aquastar71; Thailand); (B) Breeder unknown; (C) was bred by Kinggiantbetta (Thailand); (D) Breeder unknown (picture by Silvio Westphal; Germany) (E) was bred by Superstarbetta (Thailand, picture by Gianne Souza; USA) and (F) was bred by Somsak_bettafarm (Thailand).


Rough description of some likely more rare variations which have to be shown in this class (see Figure 4J.1):
1.   Doubletail veiltail (DTVT): The doubletail veiltail is a relatively symmetrical longfin variation resulting from a combination of the asymmetrical veiltail and symmetrical doubletail tailtype. The doubletail veiltail shows characteristics of both the veiltail (see Chapter 3F) and doubletail (see Chapter 3H) standard.
2.   Doubletail crowntail (DTCT): The doubletail crowntail is a symmetrical longfin variation resulting from a combination of the symmetrical doubletail and crowntail tailtype. The doubletail crowntail shows characteristics of both the doubletail (see Chapter 3H) and crowntail (see Chapter 3I) and standard.
3.   Doubletail crowntail Plakat (DTCTPK): The doubletail crowntail plakat is a relatively symmetrical longfin variation resulting from a combination of the symmetrical doubletail Plakat and crowntail plakat tailtype. The doubletail crowntail plakat shows characteristics of both the doubletail plakat (see Chapter 3D) and crowntail plakat (see Chapter 3E) and standard.
4.   Large pectoral fins: These fish are characterized by enlarged pectoral fins. This variety can exist in combination with all other finnage and size variations described in this standard and should be judged according to the finnage characteristics of these variations (see Chapter 3A–3J). These fish are often referred to as "Dumbo" or "Big Ears".
5.   Giants: As the name already indicates, giant bettas are characterized by their extremely large body size as comparison to regular sized mature bettas which reach a maximum body size of ~6 cm / 2.36 inch. In order to be considered as "giant" a fish has to have a body size larger than 6.0 cm / 2.36 inch. This variety can exist in combination with all other finnage and size variations described in this standard and should be judged according to the finnage characteristics of these variations (see Chapter 3A–3J).
6.   Swordtails: The overall appearance of the swordtail betta can be both asymmetrical and symmetrical and is characterized by at least one elongated ray extending from the caudal fin. The swordtail variation is more likely to appear in short- than longfinned fish and can show charateristics of the traditional plakat (see Chapter 3A), asymmetrical halfmoon plakat (see Chapter 3B) and/or symmetrical plakat  (see Chapter 3C)  standards.
7.   All other varations: All variations which are not described in any in the current version of the standard.


All variations shown in the Form & Variation class are candidates for a future separate show class of their own. In order to achieve such status, the following characteristics are required:
a.   The variation has to be fixed and stabilized in a line.
b.   The variation has to gain more popularity among breeders.
c.   The variation has to be entered at shows judged according to the Bettas4all standard for a larger period of time by multiple breeders.
When these requirements are met, a more detailed description of the variation will be developed and the variation will receive its own trial class. Initially, the trial class will be a separate subclass of the Form & Variation class and the Judging team eventually will decide whether the variation will receive full class status of with its finnage characteristics described in a separate chapter.


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