Ever seen a betta like this?

I just got this betta from the pet store, look at those scales! i've been keeping my eye on him for a week or two, doesn't seem like he's sick, he's just so cool! has anyone else seen a fish like this?

 

Woah, no I haven't! That's so cool!

 

Wow! That's so weird, and cool! I've never seen that before. You'll have to keep us updated on him!

 

Neat! Definitely some kind of genetic deformity. I've never seen a betta like that!

 

Isn't it an alien Betta? 2 different sub species bred together. It does look similar to ones I've seen.

 

Isn't it an alien Betta? 2 different sub species bred together. It does look similar to ones I've seen.

Do alien scales go in different directions?

 

Do alien scales go in different directions?

Not that I've seen.. alien mutated Betta?

 

Idk, but it is very pretty...
If you ever choose to breed it, and you get babies like that... You know who to talk to

 

Not entirely sure what that scaling is called but I've seen it a few other times. This trait is always avoided by breeders, especially those who show their bettas.

 

Not entirely sure what that scaling is called but I've seen it a few other times. This trait is always avoided by breeders, especially those who show their bettas.

I wonder if it's for purely aesthetics reasons or if bettas with this trait also have health issues.

 

I wonder if it's for purely aesthetics reasons or if bettas with this trait also have health issues.

I was wondering the same thing! Does anyone know the answer to this?

 

I spoke with some friends of mine who recognized this as "X factor", a genetic disease. Definitely don't breed it, as it disrupts the integrity of the scales.

(Also, no, not an alien. It's a domestic, a veiltail.)

 

oh yeah, I would never breed bettas, so much work, and also he came from a pet store. Does the X factor disease effect their health/lifespan?

 

Wow! That betta is something special! Where did you acquire him from? A pet store? Breeder? I'm just curious if this could be some sort of new variation that might become more popular. What if that gene is dominant? That betta could become another common betta. I don't know. It probably would be a recessive gene. The beautiful traits always seem to be the result of a VERY rare recessive trait from what I've experienced.

In a perfect world, just spitballing here, what would happen if you crossed that male with a marble female? I was thinking about the possibilities of the genetics of the offspring. Imagine a marble with those scales.

 

Ohhhh That sounds beautiful!
Although, it does sound like the genetics that caused those scales aren't very good, so that stinks...

 

Beauty is pain, isn’t it?

 

Idk, but it is very pretty...
If you ever choose to breed it, and you get babies like that... You know who to talk to

i would love one also, so cool!