The value of Flowerhorns

[OrandaMan]

Nah, I can understand it. The thing that bothered me initially about orandas was that I read that their wen can grow to where it covers their eyes. But then I also heard that you can do something about that (I hope I never have to do it, but at least it can be done). Not sure if you can do the same for lionheads, but I assume so. I did inherit a black moor and love her to death. I think the only goldfish that really bothers me is the celestial eye.

One thing I can say about goldfish is that there's not as much problem with dilluting the line because they all eventually breed back to normal carp if not carefully bred.

And tattooing is simply inexcusable.

[mdwalt]

I, too dislike the enlarged nuchal hump or "kok". I have the same feeling when I see other "freak" fish such as the parrots, bubble-eye and oranda goldfish (sorry orandaman) and anything tatooed or manufactured.

[OrandaMan]

By the way, I came across a forum for flowerhorns with a mildly witty name (something like monster kok) that had pictures of various flowerhorns on the front page. It was strange to me, because though I have to admit that the colors are strikingly beautiful, I felt a weird pitying disgust because of the kok. Maybe just because they were so huge in those examples, which is apparently what made them so good to get put on the front page. I react similarly to blood parrots, though that's abated a bit since I've gotten used to seeing them.

[Mzungu]

Yup, that's exactly what I found, too.

[OrandaMan]

Either this legislation is extremely recent and was passed VERY quietly, or there may have been a miscommunication. I have searched and searched and could only find something that was preventing the import of certain fish that are believed to be susceptible to some virus. I don't think that's passed yet, though, and there are some objections to some of the species listed being there.

But I did find the following on Wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fishkeeping#Fish_modification

You'll see that GM fish like Glo-fish are outlawed. New Zealand's done that, too.

http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/pfk/pages/item.php?news=1327

[Mzungu]

Well...I got the info from Anton firsthand. I will endeavor to look it up or, failing that, I'll see if he can send me a link.

Thanks! I really appreciate it. :)

[marauder_77868]

Well...I got the info from Anton firsthand. I will endeavor to look it up or, failing that, I'll see if he can send me a link.

[Mzungu]

No. The EU, from what I understand has outlawed the production/import of fish that are modified to such an extent that it affect their functionality...but I do need to seek clarification on what it does say, exactly.

I'm still curious! Like I said, I couldn't find anything on this subject - got a link? I think it's a really great step, if in fact they did pass such regulations. :)

[OrandaMan]

That was a very informational video. Thanks!

[Rico]

something similar has happened to the apbt. people have started breeding them for money, color, and size with out culling the man biters. thats how it has gotten the bad rep of biting people. the real apbt wont bite. any man biter is culled. pit bulls are some of the most loyal dogs around. of course thats if it comes from good stock like gamedogs.

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[Mzungu]

It would be great if you could provide a link to the legislation. All I've been able to find so far is the fact that GM fish are illegal.

[marauder_77868]

No. The EU, from what I understand has outlawed the production/import of fish that are modified to such an extent that it affect their functionality...but I do need to seek clarification on what it does say, exactly. I'm basing it on a conversation that Anton Lamboj and I had a couple of weeks ago.

[Mzungu]

The question is are we going to adopt the philosophy that allows it. The EU has rejected it.

Rejected what? The philosophy?

[marauder_77868]

They are actually all tied together. But it's a valid question. The release is related to the price, the bs marketing, etc. They are all interconnected. You typically find all of this morally questionable stuff on the same list...so it's all interconnected. The question is are we going to adopt the philosophy that allows it. The EU has rejected it. Not that I'm a big fan of the EU. I'd rather let our market take care of this problem. But there is so much misinformation in the hobby...and just plain ignorance as well. If we can change the minds and hearts of people by giving them information to better understand these problems, the market which has created the demand will, for the most part, go away.

[Mzungu]

This is actually a pretty serious issue facing the hobby...

Which issue are you speaking of? Price, hybrids, genetic engineering, or the release of hybrids and other invasive species into natural waterways?

I think they're all serious issues, but I'm just wondering which one you meant.