Hybridization

[justintheodd]

I know that y'all have heard this topic tossed around more times than you care to count, but after looking through past threads on the matter, I couldnt quite decipher the general opinion on the matter, even down to the individual. so if anyone is comfortable sharing their opinion, I am curious as to what your opinions are on A. would you consider hybrids unethical. B. If so, Is it just a general distaste for them or is it only unethical if it affects the fish's quality of life. To be clear, I am looking for opinions, not necessarily debates (although this isn't my forum so I suppose run wild). I apprecieate any and all responses I may receive.
Thanks y'all-
Justin

 

[duanes]

I moved from the US because it was getting harder and harder to find legitimate cichlid species in LFSs.
Once species is muttrified those genes are scrambled, and the progeny are no longer legitimate cichlids.
To me whether it looks good or not is not the point, once it has been hybridized, the progeny are no longer legitimate cichlid species,.

 

[jjohnwm]

The frog floats motionless at the surface of the pond; motionless, it shows no signs of life. It is made of soft plastic; a gossamer line trails away from it, towards the boat bobbing nearby. A shiny metal hook projects from its belly.

Beneath it, in the cool water, a Largemouth Bass hovers and eyes the silhouetted shape against the sky. Its pectoral fins paddle lazily, maintaining its position beneath the object of its attention. It awaits the kick of a webbed foot, or perhaps the bulge of a throat pouch...anything that can trigger its attack response. The Bass is old, large and shows the marks of many mishaps throughout its life; it has been caught and released...or managed to break free... many times, and has learned to be cautious. But...the artificial frog is almost irresistible. The temptation to strike is overwhelming...but the Bass somehow senses that danger is near...

I feel just like that Bass right now...

 

[Americancichlidsaredabest]

IMHO I don’t see them as unethical. I have a blood parrot and it’s one of my favorite fish I’ve owned. I can understand how some have a general distaste for hybrids and prefer more purebred fish, which at times I prefer to, so I understand the want for that. However at the end of the day they are still fish goofy looking as they may be. So to me they are fine.

jjohnwm come on… take the bait you know you want to.

 

[dmyersWv]

I don't find hybrids unethical. I do find it unethical for them to be passed of as pure cichlids.

 

[HUKIT]

 

[danotaylor]

Fish aren't the issue, humans are...

 

[Midwater]

I don't think hybridization should be a big issue. But there are so many wonderful natural fish, that I will stick with them.

 

[Alexxxxsv14]

I think it’s a matter of personal choice. I’ve kept wild caught cichlids, tank raised, and flowerhorns of all kinds. Each offering great fun and character to the hobby. I feel as a hobbyist I am open to keeping any fish of any sort that my heart desires at that given moment. Lol that’s what makes this hobby great. Flowerhorns are great wet pets with character and gorgeous color and I would keep another one again in a heart beat. I would also keep WC cichlids in a heartbeat

 

[danotaylor]

I agree it is a matter of personal choice, and have kept many, and produced 1 hybrid intentionally, the offspring of which were sold with full disclosure. Responsibility & honesty is where the issues arise, hence my previous comment about humans. I have known (past tense) people who have deliberately sold split gene fish without disclosing that they are not pure strain fish. That is reprehensible behavior in my opinion, usually driven by greed/money, and the reason why many are against hybrids. I just want to know that what I am buying is what it is labelled as