I do believe some traits acquire a degree of dominance with constant inbreeding even though they would not be visible. The best example of this theory is one of my latest spawns. I took a Steel Blue STM OHM (195 degree caudal spread with caudal edges that bent backwards towards the body) to a Steel STF OHM. The resulting fry are showing me 10% with HMx caudal traits. ???? This told me that both parents had a weak dominance of the HM trait. They should have been able to produce 40% or better. I also took a Steel STM OHM to one of my Steel STF HMx (Black geno) and the resulting fry are showing me 50% HM traits. Since I live in the Eastern part of the USA, I am only able to get three spawns per year out of a strain so it will take me awhile to get the degree of HM dominance I desire. Betta breeders in warmer climates may be able to get four or five spawns from a strain. That is if they breed bettas for a living and have a part time "full time" job to go to. Lol!