> material. Is anybody else out there having the same problem
> with my submissions as Walter? i.e. the ends of the lines being cut off.
When I read your messages they come across fine. When I reply though,
each paragraph forms as one line and I have to break it to get it all on
screen. I think your page width should be set at around 75-80 characters
per line. Don't you use the same email program as Adrian Tappin? He has
no problems. Talking of odd email problems. Scott Buckel, whenever you
send a message it always comes as an attachment to me. This is no
hassle, but it's kinda unique.
> Shall we start a discussion on the recommended method of maintaining a
captive population of a fish species for conservation purposes
especially a Blue-eye or a Rainbowfish? >
Before we get into any methods I would prefer to pose the question of
what are we trying to achieve and for which species? Different methods
are neccessary for different species, ie group spawners ('bows) vs pair
spawners (gobies--usually) as well as other factors.
> My feelings are obviously evolving all the time but the recent
discussion on such a simple thing as the colour of the tail in M.
herbertaxelrodi exemplifies how easily characters can change during the
breeding process.
I'm not convinced that it has been demonstrated that we have seen a
genetic change in tail colour. What if it could be shown to be dietry?
What if the original fish had red tails but never displayed it? Some
'bows can look very drab and then overnight turn into sparkling jewels,
even after a few years.
>Many seemingly insignificant actions can eventually
>lead to major changes in our captive populations.
Changing the colour of the tail of herbies may not be a major change in my
opinion. It may only be the fixation of one allele which is not good,
but only minor. However, this really depends upon the character in
question. Tail colour could be important in some species too. Of course
too, we cannot see most of the genetic characters in a fish and it could
be that we only see a fraction of the potential changes too. What
someone needs to do is get involved with a genetisist at the beginning of
a breeding program and to monitor genetic changes in the stock vs changes
aquarists may notice over many generations and see if there is any
correlation. This may only require that aquarists preserve some of their
fish in alcohol each generation. Then, after a few years it would make a
good honors project for someone interested in it.
Tootles
Peter Unmack