Hybrid discussion from Mo's thread....

[TheOscarGuy]

Please discuss why you think the ACA should or should not allow HYBRIDS into the ACA.

I strongly feel that, if ACA has to be more widely accepted, have more hobbyist join, share, and contribute, it *has to* address the issue of a very important hybrid (flowerhorns), educate and openly discuss it in its proceedings/meetings, and welcome people who keep them. As rallysman mentioned, a considerable amount of new hobbyists are joining the hobby by first keeping flowerhorns. Exclusion of flowerhorns is only going to alienate them from ACA further, leading to lesser acceptance of the association. By clearly educating about flowerhorns, the ACA will be in a very unique position to also clarify not every Trimac is a flowerhorn, something that people like me would welcome

Additionally, isn't money an issue here? What if we allow education, shows, sessions, and sales on/of this hybrid at the ACA? I would think more sponsors would likely come forward with more sponsorship funds, given that the shows have fish that are worth a lot (financially!). Surely this additional money can be used for the conservation and education of cichlids in America!

I agree that one species that has been affected *the most* by flowerhorns is the Trimac. However, the central issue is that of irresponsible breeders/fish suppliers, lack of education on part of new keepers, and mis-labeling. I maintain that it is very infuriating to me to have my fish labeled "flowerhorn/hybrid" when *I know* that its not -- because I don't care for hybrids. But this has to do with people who are not knowledgeable enough prematurely declaring it so, rather than anything else.

The flowerhorns have been in the hobby for a while now, and they are going to be here for a long time. Although I do not like flowerhorns, and hybrids in general, I think that ACA could use more wide acceptance within the community, and contributions (monetary of otherwise) from introduction of flowerhorns in shows, sales etc. I think only for these two aspects, it is important to address the issue of hybrids.

 

[bigriver]

I think that hybrids should be seperate from the aca,but are popular enough to form there own AHA and everything else will follow like there own shows,best mixed breed what breed should be mixed with .............just a thought.

 

[Mr.Firemouth]

So is this years theme going to inspire some open study groups?
http://www.2009aca.com/

I would love to see some FH industry people come forward and discuss a study group for the ACA at this convention. That would get some real dialog going between the 2 groups, eh?

Remember, the Hybrid Menace is meant to be "Tongue and cheek" sarcasm as this all comes to a boil, so do not take offense.

And where do the retailers and fish farmers stand in all of this?
After all they are the main supply of both fish.

 

[rallysman]

Remember, the Hybrid Menace is meant to be "Tongue and cheek" sarcasm as this all comes to a boil, so do not take offense.

I don't care if it's "tongue and cheek", it's that kind of thing that drives people away.

 

[Bderick67]

But do we blame that on hybridization as a whole or irresponsible fish keepers, breeders and vendors trying to make a quick buck? Which one is it better to curve?

Yes I'll blame it on hybridization as a whole. The more accepted hybrids become in the hobby the more of a problem it will be. The all mighty dollar will always overshadow "responsable fish keeping". Like I have said before I don't have a problem with hybrids(have some myself) but if ya include a "best hybrid" class, you will increase interest. This will result in more hobbyist try to create the ultimate hybrid, very few of these hobbyist will be responsable and the flood of hybrids on the market could be overwhelming.

I see so many people here on MFK that want the ACA to openly accept the "hybrids" into the organization. Yet here on MFK we have yet to do this ourselves. Our exclusion of a hybrid sub forum in the cichlid forum, but claim it's OK becuase we do have a Hybrid forum. Right like there is any logical reason for grouping flowerhorns and tiger muskies together in one forum.

You guys that are for change, maybe work on changing it here first.

 

[big train]

Why does it matter what the ACA's opinion of hybrids is ? It won't change what is happening on the hybrid scene at the lfs in your area. I don't know anyone in real life at the lfs around here that is a member or has attended a event by the ACA i have seen them only online. So if this group gives it's blessing on hybrids or not it just means nothing imo.

 

[artemis1]

Perhaps allow only certain hybrids, like flowerhorns, and/or blood parrots but disallow any random mixes like con x midas, etc. etc...

 

[benzjamin13]

Perhaps allow only certain hybrids, like flowerhorns, and/or blood parrots but disallow any random mixes like con x midas, etc. etc...

I agree. Whether the ACA realizes it or not, Hybrid are becoming increasingly popular and I don't think they'll be going away anytime. I do believe that they will eventually recognize this and will accept them in the years that come. FHs are incredibly popular in Asia and should be recognized and have a "Hybrid" section.

People that are new to Cichlids may be taken into the hobby by this fish. I know that when I first saw a FH, I didn't know it was a hybrid. I think just because they find out it's a hybrid, it won't turn them off because it's a beautiful fish in many peoples eyes.

 

[shamrock]

I know we are talking apples and oranges here but I don't think the AKC (might have the initials wrong but I am referring to dog shows) accepts mixed dogs-so why should we?

 

[benzjamin13]

I know we are talking apples and oranges here but I don't think the AKC (might have the initials wrong but I am referring to dog shows) accepts mixed dogs-so why should we?

I don't think people are purposely mixing breeds. Well...there's Multi-poos. But these seem relatively new and are gaining popularity. We'll have to wait and see about these guys.