> >From the what the Aussies are saying, it sounds as though many folks
> there keep natives as opposed to imported species. Is there a keener
> interest in native species there than here in the states?
Alas no, not in my opinion. I don't think membership in ANGFA has topped
300 very often, at least not in terms of total Australian members. Also,
most people who call themselves native fish keepers should by and large
be called rainbowfish keepers. Few folks keep non rainbows/blue eyes
unfortunately. Just ask Roy and Scott about those Qlders who all looked
at them strange and said, what the hell do you want to keep those
perchlets (Ambassis sp.) for?? :-)
> It sounds
> very common place to collect, maintain and even breed Australian fish as
Actually, one problem is that "why should I bother breeding them when I
can just go out in my backyard and catch some more". Now not all fish
can be caught in ones backyard, but those that can be tend to be bred
less frequently I think.
Tootles
Peter J Unmack peter.unmack at asu.edu
---------------------------------------------------------------
DESERT FISHES RULE: To boldly thrive where no other fish can make it!
Check out the Australian desert fishes pages at
http://www.utexas.edu/depts/tnhc/.www/fish/dfc/
just click on the Australian portion of the map