japes;4154549; said:
Jeff Rapps financed genetic testing that did not find any signs of Hybridization...
A Hobbyist named Cole inspired a University Scientist to do some genetic research and he found no signs of hybridization...
To "prove" they are not hybrids would require fully untwisting the DNA structure of both the standard Dempsey adn the Blue Dempsey. Seeing that only around two dozen species of animals have ever had their DNAs fully untwisted... and no fish have ever had there DNA fully untwisted... it's not going to happen anytime soon.
But we can step back and look at it with logic...
Mendelian Genetics describes a way in which traits are passed down within a species. The Blue coloration of Blue Dempseys fits the rules of Mendelian Genetics perfectly.
In hybrid fish, some look like the mother species, some look like the father species, and there are just abotu every blend of the two imaginable within the brood. This is not in any way what we see in Blue Dempseys.
So while hobbyists will argue to the end of time... Those educated in genetics (or those who trust those educated on genetics) will understand that the Blue coloration is the result of a genetic mutation and there is absolutely no reason to suspect hybridization is the cause.
Reaching into the neighboring hobby of reptile breeding will give us ample examples of pure species that have a multitude of 'morphs' available and their genetic patters are well known and thoroughly understood.
