Archivarium 2004

[number6]

Every hobbyist manages to produce fry from one tropical fish or another. At some point in time, the serious fish keeper will probably attempt to do this on purpose. A species is picked, a strain is chosen, and the tank or tanks are ready. Now how do we choose the parents? How do we find a good set of genes that will get us nice looking fish?

In the end, the answers are buried in the genetic makeup of the fish. The good news is there are ways to pick better parents than simply rolling the dice.

Once you have found a seller with a good reputation, and seen the fish he has for sale as breeding stock, its time to ask the questions that will give you the clues on the genetic quality of the parents.

1.) Does the seller have any information on the ancestry of these fish?

It is at this point where a brief description of genetics may help you understand what controls the appearance of your fish.

A Gene is made up of two alleles (appears like the letter X) and each gene sits on a chain in a certain spot or loci. Each half of the letter X is an allele and are like tiny computer programs for the fish that tell the cells of the fish where to go, what to do and what colour to end up as the fry grows. These programs can work together, or one can over rule the other. Sometimes, the programs are completely over ruled or skipped because of a program at another spot or condition in your tank.

When fish breed, each parent donates
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Discus Man is gone... I remain... #6... I am not a number I am a free man!

[Marcos Avila]

Great initiative DM! That's a very interesting topic that unfortunately doesn't get talked about too much. As soon as I get a chance I'll make a critical reading of the text and try to give your some feedback...
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Are you a Fish-HAVER or a Fish-KEEPER?
Success with a fish/tank is measured in YEARS, not months or weeks...

[number6]

thanks, I'd appreciate it. Right off the bat I see I used the masculine for breeder (I.e. HE ... )
and I need to 3rd question o be a formed question so I can bold it...
any other suggestions for improvements will be appreciated. Thanks!
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Discus Man is gone... I remain... #6... I am not a number I am a free man!

[NOAH]

I never coment on an article ,but I must say this one hits all the high points a beginer breeder needs to know. just today, I set up a breeder tank for guppy's,to start off easy, and I will definatly take the advise given in choosing good starting stock, to keep healthy fish as well as beautiful.
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simplicity works best with a little patience
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simplicity works best with a little patience