You may be interested in knowing what colors bettas are available today. Looking at the image above, we can see that each photo has a different betta.
What you will learn in this article:
The colors in bettas
How many colors are there? We can say that they are infinite! This is because each betta has its own characteristics, although fish from the same litter have the possibility of replicating the aesthetic beauty of their parents – the bloodline bettas!
In the 1960s, American Dr. Gene Lucas, PhD in philosophy, dedicated his thesis to the study of betta genetics. He was a pioneer in this field. See his thesis at the link below.
However, over the past 60 years, much of what we thought was known about betta genetics has changed. New traits have been developed, new betta shapes have emerged, and so on.
You might be thinking, “Oh, the colors should follow the color wheel pattern…”
See the framework below.
Color wheel: a framework not applicable to bettas, with a few exceptions
In other words, if we cross a purple betta with a green betta, we will have blue bettas in the litter, or if we cross a purple betta with a red betta, we will have red-purple bettas? No.
Please note that colors do not follow the color wheel traditionally known for other purposes, with a few exceptions. Genetic traits together interact in the phenotype (visual appearance) in a more complex way. There are genes responsible for colors , color distribution and others that are responsible for the shapes of the betta (the shape of the fish).
Basic concepts about the color formation process in bettas
Bettas have biochemical elements that define their colors, called chromatophores. Chromatophores are molecules divided into two categories: iridophores and pigments .
Let's use a playful analogy. Imagine paint pots as shown in the image below.
In the first pot, we have the bettas' brightness: the iridophores (blue, green and copper). We will also have a pot with black paint (melanophores) and others with red or other colors , also pigments, as shown in the image.
Genes act resulting in the activation or deactivation of genetic traits of chromatophores
Obviously, we do not have paint on the scales of bettas, but rather genes that act together resulting in the characteristics of the betta (its aesthetic beauty, characterized by color , color distribution and shapes – the phenotype).
See the photos in the table below:
Note that each betta has one, two or more colors. Among different specimens of bettas, even if they have the same color, some may be lighter and others darker, in different shades.
Color tone: understand what it is
The hue consists of whether the color is lighter or darker . Remember the color black? It is the color that gives this effect, with a greater or lesser amount of melanophores. In other words, the more melanophores, the darker the color of the betta, and it can reach complete black coverage across the entire betta (body + fins).
The theoretical model of color layers in bettas
The theoretical model of color in bettas follows the same scheme as our example. It is necessary for us to understand the genetics behind these colors and color distribution.
This theoretical model aims to improve our perception, helping those who want to understand the genetics of the betta to identify the possible genes involved.
There are therefore 4 color layers in bettas:
Layer 1: iridescent colors – blue, green and copper colors.
Layer 2: black color – the melanists. Whether it is dark or light.
Layers 3 and 4: red colors and non-red colors – pink, yellow and others;
Remember that this model is theoretical, which only helps in identifying the possible genes that are acting.
Learn about some of the colors of each layer, their characteristics and genotype:
Layer | Color and Genotype | Photo |
|---|---|---|
1 | Royal Blue Genotype: Bl bl nm nm |  |
1 | Steel blue Genotype: bl bl nm nm |  |
1 | Turquoise Blue Genotype: Bl Bl nm nm |  |
1 | Intense Green Genotype: Bl Bl * * |  |
2 | Melano Genotype: mm |  |
3 | Cherry red Genotype: Nr Nr or Nr nr |  |
4 | Intense Yellow Genotype: sg sg Consider only the color of the fins as a reference. |  |
And so many others.
Regarding colors and color distribution , we have more than 50 genetic traits in bettas.
These traits, whether activated or not, give rise to the phenotype. Note, therefore, that these +50 combined traits give rise to the phenotype of the betta. For example, you could have a solid royal blue betta ( Bl bl nm nm ). Likewise, you could have a multicolored blue betta with red infiltration on the caudal and anal fins. This infiltration refers to another genetic trait, called variegated fins.
We recommend that you read our article Lineage and pedigree: basic concepts before continuing if these concepts are new to you.
And so each betta has its own DNA.
The royal blue betta looks like this: the blue color predominates in all fins – including the pelvic fins – and preferably in the pectoral fins as well. In this particular one, there is the presence of the blond trait, which reduces the amount of melanophores (black base – layer 2) in part or all of the betta's body and/or fins, making the betta brighter as a result of the lighter shade of color on it.
Also, in our article Blue Betta Fish: Characteristics and Genetics you have more information about blue bettas. We recommend that you read it.
Some figures on phenotypes and genotypes in bettas and our Betta Genetics Course
Currently, dozens of genetic traits make up the study of betta genetics regarding colors, color distribution and shapes. We have identified more than 100 genotypes, giving rise to more than 70 genetic traits in bettas.
In this sense, imagine the tools you have to determine which of these will occur in your litters!
In other words, with knowledge of its implications for the phenotype, it is a significant set of tools that allows us to predict which aesthetic characteristics bettas will have in the litter. Furthermore, with this knowledge you will be able to design bettas, which is a new horizon in the world of bettas!
But what is designing bettas?
Designing bettas consists of determining an objective, identifying their traits and genotypes to achieve it, starting the search for matrices, confirming their genetic characteristics and then directing selective breeding towards the desired objective.
The selection of matrices as a trump card for obtaining pedigree bettas
All this information is important for the correct selection of matrices, that is, the bettas that you will select to reproduce and generate offspring.
Important
Consider that the work, effort, costs and time involved are the same whether you design or not design your bettas!
That's why we at Betta Project always say that knowledge of betta genetics is essential for you to improve your stock.
Furthermore, throwing yourself into breeding bettas often brings frustrating results.
Since you are probably a betta breeder, wouldn't it be much more interesting to design bettas? Remember that this is, in practice, the result of the breeding process – and nothing more!
Once you've mastered the management, breeding bettas whose offspring don't live up to your expectations can be frustrating. We know!
And that's why we created this website, course, articles and videos.
Betta traits
Betta fish have well-known and well-established lineages. In this sense, there are articles that you should know about this subject:
Betta bloodlines: classification and technical details (in portuguese): presents the currently existing bloodlines through videos. It also indicates our ebook about bloodlines that we have put together for those who want the content in writing, aligned with the videos. It facilitates study and note-taking.
Why marble and red loss traits make betta bloodlines unviable : explains the complications that these genetic traits bring to the breeder when establishing aesthetic beauty characteristics (colors and color distribution). Fish with these genetic traits have been bred continuously. Understand the problem.
Lineage and pedigree: basic concepts : pedigree and lineage are different things. Understand.
It's worth checking out if you want to deepen your studies!
The correct selection of matrices is essential for you to follow the right path towards your goal .
Phenotypic characteristics that can be worked on in bettas (in Portuguese)
Watch this video which provides a concise, non-simplistic summary of what can be done with bettas through selective breeding.
Click on the image above to watch the video
More info in:
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We wish you success with your bettas!
References:
[1] Betta Project internal archive
[2] Images from the Internet