Re: Line breeding vs hybridization

In a message dated 06/20/2001 11:26:07 PM Eastern Daylight Time, 
goroff@idcnet.com writes:

<< My impression is that Symphysodon discus was "improved" by line breeding, 
not
 hybridization. Line breeding is where one selects from a large population 
those
 parents which bring the breeder towards the characteristics s/he finds most
 desirable, continuing the selection for many generations.  >>

Dear Iza and Ron,

You're both slightly off the mark. Ron is correct that the modern strains of 
aquarium discus are the result of out-crossing between several subspecies of 
Symphysodon aequifasciatus (there is little evidence that the second species 
S. discus is involved in this effort). But Iza is correct that at this point 
in time these "new" strains are frequently being line-bred for many 
generations - even though newer outcrosses are still occurring.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Some of the strains are incredibly 
beautiful, yet it will be tough to ever perfect upon the subtle colors and 
patterns of S. aequifasciatus axelrodi!

    Jim Langhammer, retired Curator of Fishes
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