Curling fins

[JnJBettas]

I have a question about the curling of VTs I see in some pet stores. I believe it would be considered a flaw in breeding and judging, but I wonder if it would go away if the fin were clipped by another fish/betta. Would the curling of the fins be carried on? Breeder help would be cool.

Thanks

[BettaLu&Meg]

Curling fins in bettas is often a genetic trait. Professional breeders try to breed this out of their strains but male bettas don't usually develop it until they are very mature and their fins become very long. By that time they have already used them for breeding. It can also be a sign of chronically elevated ammonia. Test for it just to be sure if you have this betta in paticular

[bettalvr]

As Luis suggested, check your water chemistry first. If a VT is showing (phenotype) curled fins it can be a genetic factor to consider. But since most LPSs buy from commercial suppliers, it will probably be next to impossible to find out what is genetically behind the fish. But yes, it is a fault in which many breeders try to avoid.

[JnJBettas]

I have seen these betta traits in pet store betta's, I don't personally have one, and I wouldn't try testing the water of pet store betta's... I wouldn't want to piss anyone off!!! LOL

Thanks for your reply Luis & bettalvr.

[bettalvr]

Hhhhmmmmm. . . but you could ask them to explain the water parameters to you, then ask them to show you how they test (a hands on explanation), then you would get to see if it's the water! This way it appears you are asking their advice, which they generally like, while in fact you are gathering info! LOL Yeah, I know. . . I'm being a b*tch, sorry, couldn't resist.

[JnJBettas]

I've asked the LPS fish folks quesitons about the betta's before, they bag 'em & sell 'em, that's all they know... Unfortunately for the soul who buys them thinking they can breed them, they wouldn't know much about curled fins & if it would breed true. If they were to get into being judged, they would be heartbroken to find that their fish were flawed. Although some of their coloring can be awesome, the curled fins would be something I'd stay away from... Period!

[bettalvr]

"bag 'em & sell 'em, that's all they know..."
Isn't that sad, but it seems to be that way at soooo many places!

I agree with you that people buying these, not knowing anything about the parentage, could be in for surprises. I understand that not all breeders strive for show quality, but what a shame to perpetuate obvious faults.