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Re: species maintenance database att: Lee Harper
In a message dated 6/22/2000 12:25:58 PM, AUS62 at aol_com writes:
<< A number of wild strains have been imported the past three
years, one from Cape Esterias and the other from Cape Lopez. Grossly, the
fish appear the same. Now comes the question of whether or not we should MIX
the wild strains with the aquarium strain! The purists say NO! However there
is no real argument as to the species of this fish. It appears the "perfect"
example for mixing in wild strains to increase the genetic diversity. If we
don't mix the wild strains we continue to inbreed the aquarium strain for no
good purpose. I am not mixing the strains yet, but need direction for the
future. >>
Harry raises a good point. I have some beliefs that will probably be proven
wrong. I believe the Cap Esterias collection is so different in behavior and
appearance that it may well be a different species or genetically isolated
from the aquarium strains. I also believe there is no harm in mixing them as
long as they are kept separate and never distributed except for scientific
purposes. I also believe we could/should do some DNA work on them. I have not
had any experience with the recent Cap Lopez strain. Unfortunately my strain
of Cap Esterias australe died out because they are so rapid growing and fast
maturing and grow old so fast that I missed the opportunity to breed the
second generation. Just the opposite of my two aquarium strains of australe
that take forever to become sexually mature and live for years. I do know
another source of Cap Esterias australe that I will try again to rear, if I
can get some.
Lee Harper
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