>The whole genetics Vs Environment discussion is intriguing but are there
>reliable ways to find out which is the crucial influence in any one
>situation?
>
>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 was up to second generation breeding with absolutely no problems, when
that bastard stole them all. We will need to establish a new captive pop.
Does anybody else have Edgbaston DG's?
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?
Again see my comments re suitable captive environment based on their
behaviour. I still don't feel that water qual is all critical.
Rob Wager
Freshwater Fish Biologist
Raintree Aquatics Pty Ltd
Aquatic Environment, Fish and Aquaculture Specialists
1002 Caboolture River Road, Rocksberg, Queensland, Australia, 4510
Phone 07 5496 7939, Facsimile 07 5497 0022, International +61 7 5496 7939
Email raintree at closer.brisnet.org.au