One of the reasons I am interested in starting my own collection is because I want to help preserve these novel creatures. I was intially curious about the term "morphs" because I was not sure it refered to naturally occuring variants or "man-made" ones. I think it's important to propagate those characteristics that are unique to the species. I don't think trying to breed a very blue azureus is a bad thing, but trying to create or perpetuate an albino is. I guess my criteria is "Would this be a viable animal in its NATIVE habitat?"
Rich,
Can hybrids occur naturally in nature? I strongly disagree with the people that hybridize, but I have nothing against the hybrids. it isn't their fault that people don't have the common sense not to do it. if i'm not mistaken, hybrids are often underweight, weak, and produce the same offspring. Underweight, weak, ect.
I just took a look at your site Rich, and I noticed that you have imitators for sale. Are those the current price? I think that is a very reasonable price, and they look fantastic from the pictures I saw! I will most likely be ordering them from you...if I ever get permission to get darts...
Brock
Brock,
Hybrids can and do appear in nature, but nature generally controls this.
You will never find that nature has magically transported a tinc morph from Guiana to hybridize with a tinc morph from French Guiana. If this were to happen in nature it may take tens or hundreds of thousands of years to happen, not overnight in a 20gal fish tank.
As George said, just because it is physically possible does not make it right.
Many Dart hybrids look and do just fine and may be as healthy as any other Dart. It and any offspring it produces will forever be a hybrid , no going back.
Keep track of lineage as well as possible (sometimes not an easy thing in this "hobby") and read up on hybrids.
I am selling my imitators for $70 sub-adult at this time.
Take care,
Rich
This is a pretty good thread. I edited the Title to be a little more accurate as to the discussion.