unidentified hybrid tetras

[mister ben]

hey all-

I FINALLY took my 4 harlequins back to my lfs with intentions of picking up something a little more interesting. I had done my homework and had my eyes on a few different species.

After looking around for a while my g/f and I noticed some really awesome little guys in one of the tanks. Mr. lfs told us that they were some new tetra hybrid that hadn't even been named yet. This really caught my attention. I had never been a fan of tetras before simply because of their popularity and abundance (that's just my style, I prefer the slightly more exotic species) but these guys were definetely out of the ordinary. So, since I already knew a lot about tetras and felt comfortable with owning a few, I decided they were the fish for me and I brought the last 3 home.

So here's the deal, all I was able to find out is that they are a cross between a Serpae and something else. I was hoping that the good people here could maybe help me ID it's other constituent. I posted some pics so have a look!

Also, I do plan to get at least 3 more tetras, but I wanted to see what all of you people had to say before I did so. Thanks again everyone!

 

[kveeti]

They're nice. Kinda looks like von rio (flame) tetras without the vertical stripes.

 

[loucas6290]

my lfs also has these little guys they sell them for about 4 dolllars a pop i believe they called them candycane tetras, but i could be completely wrong

 

[mister ben]

yeah, they were $4.89 a piece, kinda pricey for such a tiny tetra, but I thought they were mega awesome and couldn't resist! The pics really don't do them justice.

 

[loucas6290]

i have seen them in darker lighting, it seems to bring out their brightess a bit more, im not sure on their name

 

[ChileRelleno]

Please do not buy or encourage other to buy, breed, or distribute hybrids of any kind.
Hybrids are very detrimental to the keeping of pure genetic code and have already caused much harm.
Tell your LFS very politely but firmly that hybrids and dyed/painted fish are bad for the fish and for serious aquarist.
While the uneducated masses may out of ignorance say "Oh! Thats pretty, give me five of those painted Blood Parrots.", and then put them in a uncycled 20 gal tank... Only to live short miserable lives.
We who are already here seeking knowledge should now know better or learn by reading this and other such post, that as responsible fishkeepers we have a duty to protect true species and their unadulterated genetics!
To abhor the practiced cruelty of dying/painting fish for commercial gain!

Take a stand, do not purchase, breed or distribute hybrid fish.
Do not purchase or distribute dyed/painted fish.

 

[mister ben]

I agree with you about painted/dyed fish, but I fail to see the connection to hybrid fish. As long as the fish are humanely aquarium bred and there were no hormones used to acheive their colors it's no different than owning one of the thousands of breeds of dogs or cats out there that you find in peoples homes everyday. Almost every breed out there was a "hybrid" at one point in time.

Also, get off my back buddy. I didn't buy painted fish and I didn't put them in an uncylced tank. As a matter of fact, I have taken great care in poviding the best environment possible for my fish within my means and I take personal offense to many of the comments you made. Next time you need a boost of confindence Edited for content--personal attacks are not allowed OG, ride your rightous high horse somewhere else. In short, stick to the issues pal.

I honestly was alarmed by your post and if I am misinformed, I would apreciate some redirection. Please provide me with some documentation or literature to support your argument (no need with the painted/dyed issue, I think that's disgusting, same with dogs and cats) and I will happily take it into account. Thanks.

 

[YoFishboy]

It's very possible that the LFS owner might be mistaken, and that the fish is not a hybrid at all, but rather some yet undescribed Hyphessobrycon species. I was combing through my books the other night, and the coloration is a little like a werner tetra - but it's the white dorsal that is unusual. But they are still discovering new species all the time. I'm going to keep on looking! It's become a challenge now!

 

[fishboysv]

mister ben, sir
WOW! :laugh: Scathing and well- spoken ( if a bit too harsh). Maybe something to do with a Pristela? Or some sort of albino ?
Steven

 

[Harlock]

Most of the arguments against hybridization center around purity of genetic strains and purists who wish to keep those strains free from being cultivated in the unnatural aquarium setting. Arguments can go either way. These sort of hybrids can happen in the wild. We used to see it all the time in the snake collecting business. Desert kingsnakes and speckled kings would interbreed successfully all of the time. Corn snakes can interbreed with grey ratsnakes... and it does happen in the wild and they can produce viable offspring. Of course, then you deal with rare localities of say, a grey-banded kingsnake. Most people would freak if you mixed a Chistmas Mountain with a Hwy. 277 locale. Why? Because you mixed two, almost unique snakes even if they are the same species. But again, if these special locality snakes ever spread out, or if we knew more about their habits deep in the limestone we might realize that a lot of those snakes looked the same no matter where they were rfom.

Anyway, that was just an example I can relate to. Some hybrids fail. Their genetics suck and they die young. Some, however, thrive. I don't particularly find it appalling that hybrids exist or are sold.