Re: [Killietalk] Hybrids

[Gary Elson and Mary Frauley <fraulels at videotron_ca>]

> >     I hope I get no flames as I am so new to this. I understand
> >    
> preserving
>  
>
> > the fish as the naturally are, but why such a fuss about hybrids.
My interpretation is that most AKAers take the preservation of fish as 
they have evolved in nature to be very important. I can understand the 
skill involved in selecting, and the results in many livebearers are 
striking. But. personally, I'm always on the lookout for wild-form 
livebearers, dull as they may be. I simply find them interesting, on the 
rare occasions I stumble across them. I find it fun to see what exists 
in nature. I think most of the AKA is people with the same general 
approach, to the point where it has developed into an organizational 
philosophy.

The AKA has the distinction of being one of the least commercial outfits 
I've ever been associated with. We keep killies and trade them around. 
Occasionally, a shop is interested, but not often. If someone new comes 
to my fishroom I'm delighted to give away any extra pairs I have, an 
approach I've learned from many very impressive fishbreeders and 
killiekeepers I've had the pleasure of meeting. I don't think the killie 
crowd is keeping secrets, we're just realistic about the lack of 
interest in our odd little fishes. I've never seen the "let's mass 
market these fish" approach from anyone who has managed to stay with them.

In all  corners of the aquarium hobby, there are those who want to see 
what they can do with nature to "improve" it, and those who try to 
"conserve". You can "improve" on nature if you wish, and produce some 
very beautiful things. Just label them as hybrids so those like myself, 
who like wild forms, can stay away from them.


Gary in Montreal.

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