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Evolution of a Crowntail Line By: Victoria Parnell Submitted: 6/28/2005 From spontaneous fringe-finned mutation to competition level DDR -- how does a Crowntail evolve? Many hobbyists ask about the roots of certain extreme finnage variations, but none has generated as much intrigue as the Crowntail. It is difficult for many to believe that the Crowntail was produced (and can still be produced!) by a succession of selective breedings for longer fin ray extensions. Quite often in non fringe-finned spawns you will have a few individuals who show abnormal ray extensions; this is most easily seen in the females of these spawns, many of which are not immediately distinguishable from CT females due to the spikiness of their ray extensions. This abnormality is seized upon and elaborated by breeders interested in pushing the fringe-finned betta to the ultimate extreme: the Crowntail. To illustrate the evolution of a non fringe-finned betta into a competition quality Crowntail, top CT breeder Phil Ngo posted a series of photos of his MG CT line on the Betta Club Singapore forum. This first photo is a MG STM with some exaggerated ray extensions. It is worthy of note that this fish, although very well-finned, is a double ray roundtail betta, rather than a multiple-rayed Halfmoon. This not only contributed to the neatness and uniformity of the fringe-finned effect, but also no doubt worked to keep the future generations adhering to the clean DR CT form. Crossing this fish with an appropriate female from his spawn (meaning one with similar fringe-finned extensions) produced several individuals with a greater expression of the fringe-finned effect, like this one: A fourth and fifth generation of selective breeding produced the first 'real' Crowntails, although these still needed work to be brought to competition level. Now that the CT trait was well established, the breeder was able to start focusing on carriage, uniformity, and form. The next generation showed marked improvement, not only in the fin ray extensions but also in the overall form of the fish. The rays showed decent uniformity, and while there is still room for improvement, it is a far cry from the fish used to begin the experiment. In February, 2005 -- almost 2 years since Phil first launched his MG CT line -- he presented this specimen. At this time the line was producing not only good MG CT, but the originator had given them the additional unique attribute of a full mask. The next generation: The true grand finale of this experiment came in June, 2005 when the finest specimen yet produced from this line (below) went on to win the title of Reserve Champion at the 2005 Aquarama event in Singapore.                                                                                                                                   The fish in question is a true DDR with 33% reduction in the fin rays, ideal for his type. A common DR CT would appear to it's best advantage with a 50% webbing reduction, but on a DDR that much contrast can make the fish appear 'messy' and inconsistent. One can easily see how the combination works particularly well on this fish, producing a symmetrical HM caudal on a visually balanced and appealing fish. It is my hope that in the very near future we'll be seeing many of the rare CT forms beginning to take a more prominent role, such a true melano or orange Crowntails! Anything is possible for the patient and determined breeder who is willing to contribute what is required: The right 'eye' for which breeder fish to choose, and years of hard work and discipline! Any takers? SOURCE: Betta Club Singapore, Dr. Phil Ngo, pending approval Source: Exoticbettas

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HEJSAN FROM SWEDEN EVERYONE! Everything in Sweden is going well, although I'm still busy learning the language and coping with a newborn, so it will be a bit before I'm as active as I'd like with the fish. This is a Facebook update! I have created a new BettySplendens Facebook page that will be used exclusively for betta-related networking. On the 16th of August I will be going through and deleting most of the people on my personal Facebook page who are not actual friends or family (many of you have become friends through the course of the hobby, and of course will not be deleted). If for any reason you wish to remain on my personal page, please let me know by emailing bettysplendens@yahoo.com, or FB email. Otherwise, go to the new BettySplendens Facebook page and click the 'like' button for more betta-related news and updates :).

Tack så mycket (that's ''Thank you very much'' in Svenskie-land ;))! ~Victoria~

Slight change of plans! I have decided that, instead of reinventing the wheel, I'm going to create a personal FB page and use the old one purely for betta stuff. So if you're on the original page (now called BettySplendens Bettas), please stay put! :P

For all the betta inquiries:
Just a reminder, I am not selling bettas in the US at the present time. I may begin to supply a few select bettas throughout Europe sometime in late Spring 2011. Cheers!

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