Bushfish Rapids
Tropical Aquariums
Organic Breeding
There is plenty of expert advice on successful breeding of tropical fish on the internet. Some species, particularly these believed to be difficult to breed, receive special attention. Thousands of websites provide tips on successful breeding and raising beautiful discus.
A review of this information leads to a conclusion that success depends on the use of special techniques and more or less sterile environment, as well as sophisticated food recipes and chemicals. While it is true that breeding discuss on a large scale requires these complicated steps, it is unfortunately also true that fish raised in these special conditions are extremely difficult to keep in aquariums by non-professional hobbyists. They are prone to terminal diseases caused by pathogens or microorganisms commonly found in tropical aquariums. Fish raised on special diet will also suffer when exposed to a different dietary regime when they arrive at their permanent homes.
Resilient fish...
My philosophy of raising fish (of any species) is to provide them with the best care possible, without making their environment artificial or sterile. I believe that raising fish in absolutely artificial conditions results in weak strains prone to disease. The best illustration of this trend is our big scale agriculture where antibiotics, hormones and other types of artificial intervention have become a common practice triggering the search for healthy organic products.
Breeding fish, I stay away as much as possible from using medication, chemicals or sterile food. This increases the likelihood of a disease actually happening and affecting some fish in my tanks, which of course may impact survival rate of the fry (raising to adulthood only some of those that hatched), it, however, ensures that those that survive will do well under a variety of conditions.
This is what makes the fish I raise special – they will thrive in a spectrum of optimal conditions and will be easy to feed by commercially available foods. Only the most adaptable and resilient will be available to hobbyists who can breed them to produce next generations of resilient fish.
...is quality fish
Beauty of the fish is one of the key factors when buying and raising discus and swordtails. Aesthetics are important – we all like beautiful fish and breeders focus their attention on developing stunning colors and new varieties. I strongly believe, however, that beauty is only one component of a set of factors that make a fish a high-quality specimen.
Another key factor is the stamina, resilience and vitality of the fish. The only way to raise fish resilient to disease and responding well to diversity of foods is to expose the fry to these diverse conditions and accept the fact that some of the young may not be able to survive to adulthood. After all this is what mother nature and evolution are all about.