Re: [RML] Connieae & Furcatus
Mach T. Fukada (fukada at hawaii.edu)
Tue, 21 Apr 1998 02:51:07 -1000
I really have to wonder what has happened to the furcatus. They are a most
prolific fish here. From about a dozen fish I am getting about 300 per
month. I seem to be getting fairly good fertility. But then again they are
of mixed origins (from Chris Drew, Singapore, etc) and might be more
genetic material. I will soon have some of the progeny of the originals
and see how they compare, color, behvaior, reproductive rates, etc. I
think color is better not too sure about reproductive potential. Mike
Yamamoto seemed to think I had a lot of them, which may indicate that his
are not very productive. I will check this out as we are on the same well
and should have about the same water chemistry. If there are strain
related differences we may be able to via crosses get a better fish in
terms of color and reproductive rates.
The connieae on the other hand are not the most productive fish. i may
have to reevaluate my tanks and maybe relative ratios of males to females
and spawing sites. I have noticed these guys laying a bunch of bogus eggs.
MTF
>> Are they as rare here as they seem to be? Does anyone have an idea of
>the
>> total captive population in Australia of the two species? Is there
>reason
>> to be concerned about their long-term sustainability in Australia?
>>
>IMO they are in danger of being "lost" because not enough breeders are
>prepared to devote the tank space to them. It's not as if the few breeders
>producing them are charging exorbitant prices, for example at the last
>ANGFA(Q) meeeting a bag of 5 excellent young adults went for $15. Iremember
>paying that for each fish when I got my first stock.
>
>Because of the small number of eggs and relatively low fertility you need a
>small school of breeders to be sure of maintaining your population e.g.
>10-12
>
>Regards,
>Bruce.
>
>Bruce Hansen, ANGFA, caring for our aquatic ecosystems.
>
>Please visit us at http://www.ozemail.com.au/~fisher/angfa.htm
>
>
>
Mach T. Fukada, Web Master
fukada at hawaii.edu
Honolulu Aquarium Society
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Meadows/2948/HASF.html