Cropping?

[thelastbetta]

You won't believe this. I just got back from out of town, well while I was out we stopped to get something to eat, I wasn't really hungry so I decided to go check out the fish shop that was conveniently located a couple stores down. I was scanning the fish tanks and eventually come upon the bettas. To my surprise they had a bunch these strange finned fish, at first I was a bit skeptical that they were even bettas. I asked one of the employees and she said they their supplier crops the bettas tails for a 'higher qaulity, more unique and beautiful betta'. I didn't even know what to say. She kept insisting that it didn't hurt the bettas when they did it. I was like '.....' They're taking average VT's (I think), cutting their tails, naming them something else and selling them for a higher price. What do you think of this?

 

[SRC]

Well, having had to "crop" one of my fishes tails once, due to a case of fin rot that wouldn't stop eating away at his fins (and it was getting precariously close to the body) I can tell you the fins look horrible after you do it. They bleed when you do it, and the ends and uneven afterwards. And they do feel it (or atleast I took the frantic flopping that ensued as I cut them off as him feeling it), I'm not sure how anyone could think they wouldn't feel it.

The fins will also grow back (they are usually just white, clear or black..depending on the fish. Mine grew back black.), it isn't like clipping a dogs ears and that's how it will stay for the rest of its life.

Hopefully if this person is doing it, she treated the ends with peroxide, to help prevent infection.

Only reason I can think a person would do this, without a medical reason, is to make them *appear* like plakats..but they are going to re-grow their fins eventually..leaving the owner with a VT.

 

[Styx]

I think that's outrageous.

 

[Synirr]

I'm not sure I understand the point... most people prefer long fins anyway?

 

[blue_ram]

Great, what will they think of next? Albino Betta injected with canary yellow dye?

 

[Synirr]

Man, I'd kill for an albino betta...

 

[Styx]

lol Synirr

 

[thelastbetta]

Albino betta? Is there such a thing?

 

[Synirr]

Albino betta? Is there such a thing?

Yes, but they're incredibly rare. To my knowledge, no one has been able to establish an albino line... which is why I totally want one!
This link has a pic:
http/www.bettas-jimsonnier.com/genetics.htm

 

[sukie]

Crzy scary!

 

[frazoo]

if id known that i would have got the one at my lfs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!