topline slope question

[marktrc]

I have been looking at toplines of different male bettas and it seems that some of the fish that are referred to as nicer fish have almost what I'd call humpbacks. Humpbacks is probably the wrong word to use here. But many seem to have almost a steep round shape. It almost looks odd to me. Its something I didn't really notice before as the fins often stole my attention but now that I look at body form more.. the "hump" look kind of is bugging me.

Anyone else see this? Is the "hump" look a desired look?

[registereduser]

I don't like it either, which is why I prefer "mutt" fish

[marktrc]

Maybe it is better described as hump head. I don't know.

[Mo]

Just to let you know. HMPK's usually have a sloped head and it's there body type. It isn't a fault for them but is a fault for other fish

[dramaqueen]

I think the term is spoonhead.

[Hallyx]

Spoonhead is a fault in a show Betta of any fin type. Fighters are the exception; the upturned mouth is said to be devastating.

The body line should be one smooth hyperbolic curve from nose to peduncle. Any dents, radical differences in curvature, flat spots or recurve (spoonhead) are faults. It should look like it was drawn in one smooth line with a compass or French curve.

Mark, the HM (or SDet) in your avatar has a good, but not exceptional, topline.

There's a wonderful drawing around here that shows just that. But I lost my URLs and I'm too lazy to find it just now.

[tanseattle]

Slope = Rise/Run what is your slope?

[marktrc]

I dont think its spoonhead. It's like what mo is describing. The hmpks have it more often. It's hard to see in a pic but easier to see in person. That's why I have not posted pics.

My avatar does not have it.

[Hallyx]

The degree of curvature will vary with the length and thickness of the fish. As long as it's a smooth, even curve there will be no deductions.

[Mo]

hmm. Lemme find some pics to see if I can find out what you mean