Re: Line breeding vs hybridization

From: Lewandjim at aol.com on 2001.06.21 at 16:01:09(6783) In a message dated 06/20/2001 11:26:07 PM Eastern Daylight Time, goroff@idcnet.com writes: << My impression is that Symphysodon discus was "improved" by line breeding, +More not hybridization. Line breeding is where one selects from a large population those parents which bring the breeder towards the characteristics s/he finds most desirable, continuing the selection for many generations. >> Dear Iza and Ron, You're both slightly off the mark. Ron is correct that the modern strains of aquarium discus are the result of out-crossing between several subspecies of Symphysodon aequifasciatus (there is little evidence that the second species S. discus is involved in this effort). But Iza is correct that at this point in time these "new" strains are frequently being line-bred for many generations - even though newer outcrosses are still occurring. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Some of the strains are incredibly beautiful, yet it will be tough to ever perfect upon the subtle colors and patterns of S. aequifasciatus axelrodi! Jim Langhammer, retired Curator of Fishes

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