The Black Layer in Betta Splendens The black layer in bettas is produced by melanophores, which contain the pigment melanin and typically appear as a brownish-black on the body. Several genes modify this layer, including Cambodian, which removes most, if not all, black pigment, and Blond, which reduces its intensity. Melano increases black pigmentation but causes female fertility issues, so it must be maintained through careful breeding with non-melano carriers, while Black Lace produces dark fish without fertility issues. The Marble gene, which is partially dominant, causes unpredictable color changes and is historically associated with black-layer genetics, though it may affect multiple layers. #genetics #learn #STEM #bettabreeding #bettatok #fishtok #wickedbettas