Re: [Killietalk] showing fish

[LeeH920226 at aol_com]

In a message dated 4/15/05 10:42:28 AM, bwatters at sasktel_net writes:

<< However, life is too short to be too concerned about this sort of thing. >>

Of course, but it makes for some interesting dialog. I think we agree that 
competing show fish is not like competing dogs or horses. I think the only place 
we differ is the condition of wild caught fish. But, I think that is just a 
difference in point of observation. The condition we have been discussing, in 
my view, is the condition after they have been caught and transported and 
likely to be sent to competition. As caught in the wild they certainly are very 
colorful and healthy looking. Having measured the water quality in Peru and in 
Uruguay, I believe it is a major contributor to the fishes health. Very low 
dissolved solids, high dissolved oxygen, zero nitrates and nitrites. I measured 
these in pasture pools in Uruguay with significant cow dung in the pools. I also 
observed the same parameters in flowing tributaries to the Amazon in Peru. On 
the other hand, I have also observed very healthy populations of Shiners and 
Dace in a local stream just below a major pollution source (a water treatment 
plant) that contributes high nitrates and bacteria counts. In all cases the 
dissolved oxygen has been about twice what I have measured in my best aquariums. 
Two points to consider -- significant plant growth was observed in the 
pasture pools in Uruguay plus a high surface to volume ratio. Significant fresh 
water replacement and high stream flow from the snow cap in the Andes in the 
Amazon basin was probably the major factor in Peru.

Lee Harper
Media, PA

To join the AKA see http://www.aka.org/pages/join.html
Archives are at http://fins.actwin.com/killietalk/