I recently sent off a column to Tropical Fish Hobbyist (TFH) magazine about a strain of Hifin Platies we have that breeds true. For those of you who don’t know, the hifin gene is a homozygous lethal in swordtails and platies. Fish that inherit two hifin genes, one from each parent, die as embryos. ... Read More
tropical fish
Preparing for three days of talks
There are times I should do only what has to be done. But, things happen… This time I had three speaking engagements in Vermont and Montréal, Canada in just three days in May. The day before leaving I spent most of the day before getting ready for the trip. Susie had booked us on an early morning ... Read More
Montreal Aquarium SocieT Talk
In May, David Banks (our host), Susie (my wife), and I drove up Lake Champlain to Canada where I spoke at the Montréal Aquarium SocieT monthly meeting. Dave’s wife, Janine, couldn’t attend due to water board meeting where she was apparently put on the board to inhibit her rabblerousing; I don’t ... Read More
Otter Valley Vermont Talk
In May I spoke at the Otter Valley Aquarium Society in Vermont. Their meeting is on the top floor of a very interesting library building. Interesting architecture. My presentation was on Breeding Techniques, mainly from a genetics viewpoint. It was the first time I’d used this presentation. It went ... Read More
Our Herichthys carpintis (Pearl Scale Cichlid) Spawned in Community Tank
This morning I came into the office to find our pair of Herichthys carpintis, the Pearl Scale Cichlid or Green Texas Cichlid, had spawned in the 130 gallon aquarium. I wasn't happy. Having seen them building a spawning pit, I'd planned today to clear a vat for them and move them to it for spawning. ... Read More