Here we go lol. Okay so have to chime in with 2 cents. These guys are doing something new with this hobby, they are not hybrid breeding, they are simply taking two separate strains of pure Umbee and crossing them for better looking offspring. This is no different then line breeding two separate strains of Umbee or any other pure blood fish. Example-Red Tiger Mota you have two red variants of the species hailing from two separate rivers and or locations points Rio Copan and Rio Blanco. Both are red variants of the RTM, if I breed them (and I have) the reason is to try for a more intense mix yet still maintaining the pure blood line without hybridizing the fish out. No different then what they are doing here. Personally I believe to frown upon such a thing is showing ignorance and a will to avoid change and progress. Many people have hated on Chris and his guys but especially Chris for the introduction of the Gorillas Blue and Black variant of the Umbee. Fact. However their resentment and jalousie for not
BEING THE ONE compiled with ridiculous ignorance shows through for many to see. The introduction of these two color variants of arguably the largest New World cichlid in the World. Has not only breathed new life and excitement for this species (very much need prior to Chris Umbee bloodline were crap for almost a decade) into the hobby but it has also shown how a select few try to discredit and control the markets in many ways.
You got Rapps selling his fish F2 because he's too proud to ask for F1 from the source and calling them a different name, got Mr. Clean (everyone know who this is) who apparently has his hand in with TFD Magazine who recently dropped a submitted article on the subject (stating it's not the direction they are looking to go) because they have not been on each other's like list for a long time now. This I found so funny it hurt yet sad. Not a direction the leading fish mag wants to go hum. Lets see two new color variants of one of the prettiest and largest cichids in the world lol yeah would say that makes for a decent story...
Never the less every person can have their own opinion. 15 Years ago if you had a tattoo society branded you and restricted you, now they are almost excepted every where. No different here except here you have people burnt because they envy and wanted the glory. Well people cannot always have what they want.
Chris, Worldbelow and their guys are turning out some of the most stunning Umbee ever offered in the hobby and will be for a long time coming, so I guess the old school guys- although I am sure it's a hard pill to swallow for now, will just have to eat it regardless cause I know Chris and they have no plans to slow their progress...
Oh and about the Hybrid question posed, lol I dare someone to put their best looking fish up who has issues with this subject. I keep both pure and hybrid cichlids have for decades now. I would love the opportunity to smash your pipe dream and show you what a real Ornamental Show fish looks like! Remember both have their place in this hobby and Chris said it best their are no rules in this game IT'S A HOBBY son THE BASTARD IS OUT................
Umbee power you guys are doing good stuff her man never let anyone tell you different!
Enjoy 
