Recently, varieties called Nemo and Candy, which are evolved strains of Koi betta, have become very popular both in Thailand and Japan.
The strain called Galaxy is also an evolved strain of Koibeta.
Koi betta was all the rage a few years ago, but it is steadily evolving as new varieties have been created through new crossbreeding.
The original Koi Beta itself is still a popular variety in its native Thailand, but its color and other features have changed considerably from the early Koi Beta.
Anyone who has watched the Thai Beta scene for many years will have noticed this.
I've been photographing Koi Betta since around 2013, so it's obvious if you look at the photo records.
The early koi betta and the current koi betta have evolved to the point where they feel like they are almost completely different animals.

Among them, there are many fish that are reluctant to be called carp betta.
From a biological perspective, it may be a mistake to use the word evolution when referring to improved varieties created by humans.
The term ``evolutionary'' may be more appropriate, but I feel that the term ``evolutionary'' gives a better sense of the changes that have occurred over the years in a single variety, so I will use it here.
Recently, even betta contests have divisions for koi betta, and it seems that standards for koi betta have been set.
However, this contest-like perspective and the attractiveness of aquarium fish do not necessarily match.
This means that the values ​​of fish that win prizes in contests and fish that are sold as ornamental fish are not the same.

For example, in the Koi Beta standard, it is said that blue color is a negative sign.
However, in the betta market, if the person who sees it likes it, the blue-colored Koi betta can be highly valued and sold at a high price.
Most of the carp bettas introduced in this column are negative fish from the perspective of contest carp bettas, but they are very attractive fish when viewed as ornamental fish.
Rather than calling it Koi betta, I think it would be better to make it a different breed and fix it.

This time, we are introducing Koi Beta Black, which has an attractive black color, and I feel that if it continues to improve while retaining this characteristic, it will become a popular variety.
However, it is a Japanese feeling that they prefer black fish, and it is not so highly rated in Thailand.
As with fashion, national character or sensibilities are important here.
Well, tastes in fish, like women's tastes, vary greatly from person to person.
Contests aside, when it comes to aquarium fish, the best fish are those that the individual who keeps them likes.

Regarding betta fish, there are as many different fish preferences as there are breeders, which is probably why fish with so many different shapes and colors have been born.
I've gone a little off track, but in this column, I'd like to introduce a fish with a color that I've personally liked recently from the evolutionary lineage of Koi betta.
This is just my personal preference, so please understand that.
People who aren't interested in me look like I'm a pervert because I'm working up a sweat looking for strange fish like this at a hot Sunday market or a betta farm in Thailand.

My friend, who has a bad mouth, calls these bettas with unusual colors that deviate slightly from the classics as perverted bettas. I'd like to think of this as a compliment, not an insult.
I would be happy if there are some perverts out there who can relate to the charm of Koi Beta by looking at the photos of Koi Beta that I will be introducing this time.