Defining A Good Crowntail

Let's start by providing a definition of what a good CT should look like, using the new IBC Crowntail Standards published in the March/April 2004 issue of Flare! magazine as a medium of reference. It should be kept in mind that the standards only apply to male CT bettas; females are judged in the standard color classes for their respective color types.

For the purpose of showing in the CT class, Crowntails are defined as bettas exhibiting at least 33% reduction in webbing versus ray length in each of the three primary fins (caudal, anal and dorsal). This requirement must be demonstrated in all three primary fins but does not need to be exhibited between all rays to meet the minimum requirement to be classified as a Crowntail betta.

Single ray - In the 'SR' CT, web margins are, ideally, uniform and webbing reduction is equal between primary rays and rays with branches.

Cross Ray - The crossing of rays ('CR') is manifested by pairs of ray extensions that curve over each other.

Double Ray - In the 'DR' CT, webbing is reduced at the two levels: one between a pair of rays and the other, more profoundly, between two ray branches. Breeders put a premium on double-ray and 4 ray extension Crowntails. These traits are to be regarded as neutral and are not to be pointed above single ray extended Crowntails. Four ray and even eight ray extensions are less common and the effect is almost always confined to the caudal fin only.

Double Double Ray - 'DDR' is double double ray, hence a four ray extended branching.












Random Ray - The term 'RR' basically means that the caudal spread has mixed single ray, double ray, 3 rays and 4 rays extended branching all mixed up. It is used to describe those whose extended ray patterns are not fixed.

For the purpose of judging CT in IBC sanctioned showing, these are the desired traits judges are encouraged to look for :

1. 33% reduction in webbing material for each primary fin is minimum. 50% reduction in webbing material in all three primary fins is ideal.
2. Ray extensions to be uniform in balance, length and spacing (symmetrical).
3. Double and 4 ray extensions in dorsal and anal fins to match caudal extensions.

Undesirable traits for Crowntails:

1. Less than 33% reduction in webbing material in 2 or all 3 primary fins is a DISQUALIFYING FAULT.
2. Less than 33% reduction in webbing material in 1 primary fin is a SEVERE fault.
3. Ray extensions of different lengths are MINOR faults unless the rays are in even, repeating pattern.
4. Random rays, for example, single protruding rays in a double ray or 4 ray Crowntail, should not be regarded more than a MINOR fault and ignored if there is only a single ray protruding ray.
5. Curled or bent ray extensions are each a MINOR fault.
6. Non-symmetrical spaces between ray extensions are each a MINOR fault.

Source : BettySplendens.com

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