Understanding "bloodlines" in breeding fish

Julie's Julies

I have a question about "bloodlines" in fish. I've never bred fish before but am interested in doing so sometime. I am accustomed to the breeding requirements of dogs - particularly Australian Shepherds - and with them, there are specific guidelines, paperwork, and bloodlines that have to be followed. For example, you are not supposed to breed two dogs together unless they share no common ancestor for at least 8 generations (this is proved by the dogs' paperwork). With fish, though, there is no way to tell who is related to whom and who isn't. If I were to buy a male and female livebearor from the LFS, there is a great likelihood that they will be brother and sister. Is this acceptable? I hope all of this makes sense.

Thanks!

mHeinitz57

Depends on what you consider to be acceptable. You can very succesfully breed fish that you buy together at the LFS. In fact, if you look closely you will probably find pregnant females and even small fry swimming at the LFS. If you are actually getting into serious breeding and wanting to show fish then you would want to learn the bloodline rules. I personally don't know the rules but if you are just wanting to try it out for fun then there is nothing wrong with breeding ones you find at the LFS. If you are really concerned about it, go buy a male at one store and a few females at another Is there a particular type of fish you are interested in? Rules will change according to species.

Julie's Julies

On a short-term scale I thought I would just try swordtails since they are livebearers and are easier to breed than egg-layers; some day I hope to have Discus if I ever live anywhere that has water conditions suitable for them (I am not a big fan of chemically altering water to fit a particular fish, especially ones as picky as Discus).

mHeinitz57

personally I wouldnt worry about bloodline then. The real professional breeders gt involved with the whole genetics thing and we can thank them for their hard work in producing beautiful fish. In your situation though, I wouldnt wory too much about it but it is interesting stuff so feel free to indulge

herefishy

I breed many species of fish. The bloodline subject isn't a big thing that I worry about. I do, from time to time, move fish (male or the female harem, from tank to tank to help prevent heavy inbreeding. A prime example of the bad effects of heavy inbreeding is the Neon Tetra. The practice of heavy inbreeding can result in faded colors and other genetic abnormalities.
We cannot be sure when we buy a "colony" of fish to start a breeding setup from our lfs's, that these fish are not related in some way. Most, and I say most, breeders are not worried about gene purity, but species purity, unless they are trying to create a viable hybrid. Examples of this are guppies, mollies, Discus, and some of the other new "mutts" currently showing up in the trade.

MattD

You could but some from one week, then go back and buy a new bunch, or go from store to store, I'd say that the best way to avoid it, if it's even that big a problem. :D Good luck though!

Julie's Julies

Thanks for the advice. I just wanted to make sure that if/when I try this I don't end up getting mutant, sickly fish. :)