Since "hobbyist bashing" seems to be the flavour of the month over here by
some of the so-called "commercial" breeders I would like Listmembers to
contribute their experiences, memories and imagination for a moment.
Please tell us your impressions of the commercial offerings seen in
petshops. Also what you think was the cause of the problem. Perhaps we can
offer them some ideas on how to improve their product instead of them
trying to eliminate the "backyarder" because they sell better fish cheaper.
Surely with the economies of scale the commercial breeder should be able to
produce a cheaper fish. All we have to do is get them to produce a better
fish. Having seen some of the commercial set-ups I will start the ball
rolling on causes ( I will leave my assessments of quality unsaid for now).
1. Poor selection of stock initially - especially females
2. Keeping breeders with fry
3. Allowing contamination of broodstock with other bloodlines ( especially
females), either accidentally with shared nets, overflows or ignorance.
4.Poor attention to culling of defects and poor performers. Nothing looks
worse than uneven quality and sizes in a tank of supposedly "professionally
produced" fish.
That's enough for now - let's hear form some others.
Cheers
Bruce
Bruce Hansen, ANGFA
Check out our web site a http://www.angfa.org
Remember, "When in doubt, leave it out!"