Pigments that appear on bettas exist in the skin as chromatophores, which are cells that contain pigment. They are best described as existing in structured layers. In betta splendens, iridescent is on top, with red on the bottom. Cellophane is the true bottom layer, but it holds no pigment, and is often overlooked in color layer charts.
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Basic Colors
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Combined Colors & Modifiers
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More Science
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There are many different genetic routes you can take to reach a specific color. For example, a "pink" betta could be as simple as a red crossed with an opaque white, resulting in pastel red or "pink" offspring. Alternatively, a red betta with the blonde trait crossed with a steel blue or turquoise could produce a "pink" betta. This is why it's important to know the genetic background of the betta before you decide to breed, because a [Pastel-Red] x [Blonde-Red x Steel Blue] is going to give you [Pastel-Blonde-Red x Steel Blue] which could show as a very pale purple, a multicolored washed out red/blue, and a multitude of other options.
Click images for original sources.
Chromatophores are divided into groups:
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In short...
The iridescent layer holds iridophores & pteridines.
The black layer holds melanin. The red layer holds xanthophores & erythrophores. All bettas, even solid "pure" colors, have these chromatophores. Their densities and their enzymatic structures are what alter the colors we see on the fish. |