importance of culling

[Mr.Firemouth]

Hi guys!

I line breed FM's and many people ask how do I know which ones to keep.
Today I had some time to take some pics of the 2 fish I culled out of about 40! These are the only 2 keepers!
The other fish will have great colors when they mature but I assure these 2 will be much better!!!

Here are the pics...
random shots of the group...7th generation...

Here is the keepers...
note the color intensity and black markings on fins compared to group shots

Pics don't do them justice as my camera is limited compared to DSLR shots.
I do think it is obvious though how these 2 fish stand out from the crowd.
Did you notice the fins are marked differently? Or that the belly/throats are colored much more?
I would like to mention that all these fish shown are from one brood/hatching.
They are also all the same size(within 1/2 cm)
These fish also were spooked by me and the camera. If I was able to take tight shots 20 minutes from now they would have darker colors yet!

Culling like this is the only way to isolate the strongest fish that color up the best. I can't wait for their displays this winter as these fish are just under 1" TL.

Don't forget to join the ACA

 

[addicted2cichlids]

interesting.

 

[Kdcarey]

geez i dont think i could ever cull like that i would feel bad

 

[pattycakescichlids]

Well if you have the knowledge of the fish to know then that is wonderful. I am not that knowledgeable about these types of fish yet. I have bred Fryeri's, White Tail Acei Ngara's, and some peacock cichlids. The only american cichlids that I have bred are convicts, ha ha Hasn't everyone.. I am trying very hard to learn as much as I can.. I can only tell the best is by letting them grow out. I learn from each and everyone of you so thanks for the valuable information.

 

[benzjamin13]

All of them looked pretty good to me. Nice coloration on their dorsal fins, but I think I see what you're talking about. Did you use the rest as feeders?

 

[Mr Pleco]

Too bad we don't have a program like that for people? That would be one way to keep healthcare an prison costs down ?

 

[Alistriwen]

 

[windsurfer]

wow, refreshing to see someone that's doing it right! also, the other thing that you did not mention is that by getting rid of the fish that didn't make the cut, the one's that you keep will grow faster and color up even better because they have more room.

thanks for posting those pics.

w.

 

[Mystix212]

This is all very great stuff to see. Do you sell the rest of the fry or feed them (euthanasia?).

What will be happening with the best of the brood too?

 

[MalawiFan]

those are the ones you keep to keep the breeding lines pure and beautiful.
the others get sold to the LFS.