betta color

[Briarmoor]

I see there are dozens (hundreds?) of colors of bettas. In dogs, some coat colors i.e. blue Dobermans, are more prone to skin problems. Albinos are less hearty. And so on. Is this the case in fish, bettas in particular? Before I get my sights set on a certain color betta, I want to make sure I choose one that will be healthy.

Also, have those that keep them found certain color individuals to have different traits, i.e. blues being less aggressive (just an example, I don't know that). Thanks!

P.

 

[bkk_group]

i have found that cambodian ie. marble/flesh coloured bettas are not as tough, or as you say "hearty" as the darker pigmented ones. it's one of the reasons you never see them in the fighting rings as the scales have less 'density' in them.

 

[Synirr]

A lot of times, animals with certain traits or colours are less hearty due to the line breeding that produces those colours. Yes, I'm sure certain colours of bettas are less hearty, but I couldn't tell you which ones for sure. Lighter colours in general might be less hearty, I would imagine, since those stray more from the wild type and therefore probably took more line breeding to achieve. Albinos are always less hearty for various reasons (pigments play a large role in the development of an animal; they're not just for looks,) but you're not likely to find an albino betta in the first place.
Generally, I don't think colour would matter enough as to cause you to turn down a colour you like just because the betta might be a tad more susceptible to disease than others. What I do think would matter is getting a betta from a breeder rather than from a pet shop. Pet shop bettas are quite often inbred, which can lead to a lot of health problems.

 

[GuppyDude]

i accually have 2 black marbles who have quite a bit of flesh coloring on them, and they are the toughest fish i own iv had more trouble with blacks and blues getting sick

 

[Briarmoor]

Great help on the color thing - thanks!

Now, where do I find good breeders? Would it mean shipping a fish in? I do this sometimes with dogs and it is expensive to ship them. I know it wouldn't be so much with a fish, but how hard is it on them, the stress? Or could I find a breeder in driving distance?

I have not been impressed with the bettas I've seen at the LFS, Petco, Walmart, etc. Plus I'd never ever buy a fish at Walmart anyway. Do you have a pic of your marbles, GuppyDude?

P.

 

[JoLtNbolt]

try www.bettaboys.com or www.bettacave.com

you can also find lots of unique and interesting bettas on www.aquabid.com