Looking at the Edgbaston example - we have a DG species and the RFB. Both
have evolved in virtual isolation in the same environment that has been
fairly constant (until the advent of the pastoral inductry).
It would be tempting to feel that they may have bred out their adaptability
to conditions other than those that they have to regularly cope with.
Therefore when they are faced with predators such as Gambusia or pollution
from cattle causing turbidity and manure that they may be quick to succumb.
Getting back to the poor hatchability in captivity - can Rob Wager tell us
if the DG's from Edgbaston ( C. squamigenus) have had a similar problem
with ongoing hatchability in subsequent generations. I feel that although
most other Blue-eyes readily adapt to variable aquarium conditions and
breed well in them, that RFB eggs (and perhaps the breeders while they are
forming those eggs) may be more selective about suitable conditions.
Perhaps we will need to supply the soft/alkaline conditions they have
adapted to in their environment?
Bruce Hansen
ANGFA
email: bhansen at ozemail.com.au
Don't miss the ANGFA web pages at -
http://www.ozemail.com.au/~fisher/angfa.htm