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The Perfect Halfmoon Form By: BettySplendens Submitted: 12/23/2003 TK Lee T.K. Lee T.K. Lee Halfmoon (HM) is the term given to bettas that have a perfect semi-circle caudal (i.e. tail)when flaring. Specifically, a halfmoon betta must have a caudal where both ends are exactly 180 degrees apart or more, spreading towards the front. Caudal edges have to be straight or curving outwards, and not bending inwards. There are a few important things to strive for when breeding for a Halfmoon betta: 1.) Symmetry - the body line that cuts and seperates the caudal into half. 2.) Balance - the ability to draw an arc that begins from the caudal and encompasses the dorsal and anal without hitting a snag. 3.) 180 degree caudal with straight and crisp edges. Few people disagree with the above statements. The only area of disagreement, or rather a difference in opinion exists in the 'proportion',i.e. the caudal/body ratio. When caudal/body is less than 1, you get an 'oval shape'(OS). But when caudal=body or caudal/body is 1, you have a 'circle'(CS). The OS Halfmoons are good, but the CS Halfmoons are truly exceptional, and an excellent model to aspire to. What to avoid Just as there are positive things to look for when choosing or breeding for a Halfmoon, there are things to be avoided. Such as: 1.) Unequal fin rays in the caudal. This detracts from the otherwise 'smooth' arch in the HM form, and tends to look choppy or sloppy. 2.) Non straight caudal fin rays. 3.) Outermost caudal fins rays not at or near edge of caudal. 4.) Fringe (ray extensions) on the fins. Many of these have probably been interbred with the Crowntail form. There is a form called 'Half Sun' which incorporates the 180 degree caudal with the protruding fin rays, and these are very pretty! But not desireable in a Halfmoon. 5.) Dorsal that is thin and 'weak', not in keeping with the huge, sweeping HM form. 6.) all other undesirable traits associated with bettas: Crooked back, disproportionate fins, inactive disposition, poor form, poor color, color 'washes' in a solid color betta. Source: The Global Halfmoon Betta Breeders' Club

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HEJSAN FROM SWEDEN EVERYONE! Everything in Sweden is going well, although I'm still busy learning the language and coping with a newborn, so it will be a bit before I'm as active as I'd like with the fish. This is a Facebook update! I have created a new BettySplendens Facebook page that will be used exclusively for betta-related networking. On the 16th of August I will be going through and deleting most of the people on my personal Facebook page who are not actual friends or family (many of you have become friends through the course of the hobby, and of course will not be deleted). If for any reason you wish to remain on my personal page, please let me know by emailing bettysplendens@yahoo.com, or FB email. Otherwise, go to the new BettySplendens Facebook page and click the 'like' button for more betta-related news and updates :).

Tack så mycket (that's ''Thank you very much'' in Svenskie-land ;))! ~Victoria~

Slight change of plans! I have decided that, instead of reinventing the wheel, I'm going to create a personal FB page and use the old one purely for betta stuff. So if you're on the original page (now called BettySplendens Bettas), please stay put! :P

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