DT, ST, what does it all mean, exactly

[HanshaSuro]

I just got my first betta, and I'm wondering exactly who this is staring at me through the glass side of the bowl. What do all the different abbreviations stand for? I'm guessing DT means double tail and ST means single tail, but what does that mean, exactly? Harry's tail fin has split down the middle, does that make him a DT? Thanks to anyone who can enlighten my ignorance.

 

[PreciousGems]

DT, ST

A double tail just has a split tail by genetic inheritance. Some bettas rip their tails, and usually it grows back, but sometimes it doesn't and people who finde them call the betta a DT. However a DT is a recessive gene that makes the split. So to get DTs the parents of you fish have to a) carry DT or b) one is DT one is ST(or ST/dt).

A single tail is just that, single. No splits. Some splits only go through partially (they should split until it connects to the body) or are uneven. These are traits you don't want to pass down to other bettas, but some look just fine. Here is a picture of my royal blue DTF (double tail female), Tiger Lily.

Alexa

 

[PreciousGems]

Okay, it would help if I actually attached the picture....

Alexa

 

[HanshaSuro]

Oh so pretty! Thanks. I think, now that I'm looking, that mine may have just ripped his. Its hard to tell though, as the only time he spreads it out is when he's fighting his reflection and then he bounces around too fast for me to really see.

 

[PreciousGems]

Yeah, I has some males that spaz out too. It drives me nuts when I am trying to take pictures of them.

Alexa

 

[MrMup04]

single tail or short tail

double tail

 

[theeyrietrainer]

single tail john, not short