Do you keep hybrids.

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo

Do you keep hybrid cichlids?

  • Yes

    Votes: 220 50.8%

  • No

    Votes: 213 49.2%
  • Total voters
    433
The thread has remained civil for 12 pages and over 200 votes...so maybe people can continue the trend...

Mr Firemouth: Thanks for your comments!

I view "conservation" more in terms of "responsible fishkeeping" vs. "flowerhorns are bad and should be discouraged".

Being a responsible fishkeeper means (among other things) not selling/distributing mis-labeled fish (like hybrids as pure, tank raised as wild, etc., using proper scientific names, etc.), not releasing fish into nature, providing adequate tank space and care for fish, etc. These are good principles to follow for people who keep both wild-type and non-wild type fish (flowerhorns, line bred, etc.).

I characterize both line bred fish and flowerhorns as "different from what's found in nature"... both seek to "improve" on what's found in nature... and there's a legacy of man "improving" the appearance of fish literally back to the dawn of fishkeeping. For example, colored Koi (different from wild brown ones) were first described in writing from a Chinese book written during the Western Chin Dynasty, 265-316 A.D.

Fish that are different than what is found in nature appeal to some and don't appeal to others. But taste is different than conservation or responsible fishkeeping.

A small, insular group will have less of an impact on educating and encouraging responsible fishkeeping than a larger, open one will. The ACA risks alienating - as well as failing to educate and connect with - lots and lots of cichlid-keepers (new and experienced) if it treats those who like flowerhorns (even if they ALSO like wild-type fish) as outcasts.
 
The ACA has no feelings of "outcasting" anyone because they keep FH's. It is just a conflict of "mission statements" to allow hybrids when stressing "cichlidae" and "conservation".

All fishkeepers are welcome to the ACA, it is just the fish(hybrids only at moment) that are being restricted from sales on the "Trading Posts" and from the annual show for judging.

I believe the history and mission of the ACA was designed to promote "cichlids" and NOT promote "Non-cichlids".

It is much more about the fish than the people. I would love to see the ACA grow, but as it was intended with these missions intact...
* Gather, organize and disseminate knowledge of the family Cichlidae
* Further the conservation of cichlids and their natural habitats
* Promote fellowship among cichlid hobbyists

I have been at crossroads thru my final decisions to say no to hybrids as I want to further the hobby for all, but I do not see how hybrids fit into the original plan for the ACA?

Mods, sorry but the commentary is integral to the poll.
 
"The ACA has no feelings of "outcasting" anyone because they keep FH's."

I respectfully beg to differ. It's the 800 pound gorilla in the room at the ACA.

My perspective isn't that it shouldn't be an "us" and "them" type issue, but an opportunity to learn from each other...and for the ACA to grow.

I just don't see a discrepancy between people who are interested in conservation or interested in fish of the family cichlidae...or interested in promoting fellowship with other hobbyists...to also keep flowerhorns....and be responsible fishkeepers...especially if they are new hobbyists (might not know about alternatives to flowerhorns) or are a (closeted or semi-closeted) flowerhorn keeper who also keeps other cichlids.

I'm all for having Flowerhorns and other hybrids as part of the show under a separate category / set of awards. It's not as if there's not already fancy discus in the show (in a separate category than wild-type ones). The betta folks and livebearer folks figured it out. I think the ACA can as well. Where there's a will there's a way :)
 
fishfreak317;2132769; said:
trust me the hybrid keepers are biting their tongues to speak on this thread. but as requested from mods and the OP this isn't a discussion, so us people with a little more respect are waiting. unlike some people that don't listen...
Click to expand...

:chillpill:

Mo would have told us (or will) if we were out of line in providing constructive commentary.
 
dogofwar;2132827; said:
:chillpill:

Mo would have told us (or will) if we were out of line in providing constructive commentary.
Click to expand...

That's not his responsibility. Please utilize the discussion that has been linked.
 
fishfreak317;2132769; said:
trust me the hybrid keepers are biting their tongues to speak on this thread. but as requested from mods and the OP this isn't a discussion, so us people with a little more respect are waiting. unlike some people that don't listen...
Click to expand...
WERD
 
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