Can Oscars be overbred/inbred?

[Darrin]

Probably a silly question, but I gotta ask if Oscars -- or any fish -- can be overbred. For example, purebred dogs CAN be of poor quality as many dog breeders do not breed for qaulity. Does this problem apply to fish? Are some Oscars of higher pet quality than others because of better breeding?

With Oscars being sold at nearly every LFS and at Wal-Mart, Meijer, etc., I can't help but wonder if the $6 Oscar at Meijer is from the same fish hatchery, or whatever, as the $12 Oscar at a local aquairum specialty store. I would prefer to spend the few extra dollars support the specialty store. I just find it interesting that Oscars seem to be everywhere. Where do all of these fish come from, and more importantly, where are they ending up?

Do fish breeders actually attempt to make better fish? Are Meijer Oscars as good as any other Oscar?

Just some thoughts from a new poster here. Any thoughts?

 

[YoFishboy]

There are lots of fish that have been weakened by inbreeding over the years, such as neons and fancy guppies....reputable breeders try to maintain quality stock, by out-crossing with other breeding lines of the same species after so many generations. Unfortunately, the majority of stock hitting the Petsmarts, Petcos and many LFS are mass produced with little regard for quaility breeding techniques, and are often overly inbred and often crossed with similar yet different species that are able to jump from on breeding vat to the other. Whenever possible, try to acquire stock from reputable shops that have connections to reputable breeders. Another source are members of local fish clubs.

 

[Toirtis]

ALL animals can be overbred/inbred to severe detriment...sadly, tropical fish are amongst the worst.