[Art by Stef*]

Selectively inbreeding and culling are what give us our beautiful fish from the start.
If breeders did not, today, our only choices in bettas would be veil tailed, and guppies would all look like feeders.

If one chooses to breed, they should select healthy stock from the get-go, and something that will be a joy to look at in future generations.
If one is looking just for a pet or something to fill the tank, takes pity on a deformed but otherwise charming fish, they should pass on females and choose only males if species permits (like guppies).

Best is to get something you enjoy looking at, and pass on the deformed, so not to keep the cycle going, and prevent future guilt trips on yourself about culling. Let others deal with it, unless you are serious about breeding, because there's always going to be a deformed/inferior one somewhere along the line. Guppies are "the million fish"

-Stef*

 

[Art by Stef*]

Inbreeding of healthy hardy stock does not produce weak or compromised fish.
There are small ponds jam packed with inbred wild sail fin mollies.
Generations upon generations, with no new blood.
Although, any deformed ones will be naturally culled before they even leave fry stage.

It's when something is "hot" and bred to death without culling or a plan, just to get them on the market with a high dollar price tag is where things go wrong.

-Stef*

 

[Art by Stef*]

We shall have to agree to disagree I fear
Your opinion carry's no more ,no less weight than mine.
Just my observation's over the last forty year's in the hobby.

Well, I like to hear the opinion of those experienced
We can agree to disagree.
A lot of what breeders breed for is what judges at the show place high.
I see it in persian cats-the face got so extreme, the poor things could not breathe properly, and I do agree with your point on other animals, but without cross breeding horses and donkeys, we would have no mules-the best of both animals, although sterile.

When I was young, I gave my Dad 3 guppies. (2 girls and a boy) 10 years later, he still had them jam packed in a 10 gallon, 1/2 filled with mulm, no plants, it was disgusting. Fed Hartz Mt.
There had to be over 100 in there-bent up and gimped like gnarled branches, some actually sickle-shaped, yet they still thrived.
I took them from him when I got my first apartment because they had sentimental value, separated boys from girls, gave some away, and they slowly passed about 2 years later. I would not repeat that, but some inbreeding is important, not saying breed to death. Although, my Dads guppies didn't follow that rule.
I outline my breedings and plan everything in advance.
Health is always the first trait I want to instill. (updated my Rorschach thread)

-Stef*