Saturday, September 19, 2009

Breeding

In breeding of any species of animal or fishes, there are 2 relevant characteristics that serious breeder always have revolving in their head as they plan their breeding. One is to look at the Genotype characterics...genetic makeup of the said species by studying the bloodlines behind it and the other is to look at the Phenotype characteristics that are portrayed physically by studying the species through the breeder's eyes.

In ranchu breeding sad to say there aren't much genetic material to work upon unless one is a student for many years, know where to get the right fishes and have bred consistently.

Given my handicap and limited experiences, I try looking at the phenotype characteristic of my fishes and I am considering pairing these 2 fishes for my upcoming spawn. The male is a pure Kudou while the female is a half kudou.

Kudou Male





1/2 Kudou Female


Wednesday, September 2, 2009

It's a small world.....

I was a student in America in the late 70's. One summer vacation, I drove to California and stayed with some friends at Huntington Beach. San Diego Zoo, Spruce Goose, Malibu Beach, Disnelyland, Universal Studio, LA Chinatown etc etc were some of the places I visted. One particular place and an incident stayed vividly in my memory even today.

Photobucket


While touring LA Chinese Theatre, I was drawn to an oriental man hawking his wares in a makeshift wooden tray...very similar to those early days Singapore peddlers hawking their wares at the old Bugis Street or even Sungai Road. In the tray were the usual cheap imitation gold chain, fake jade pendants, rings, pens, lighters etc etc. As I approached the street hawker I was shocked to see that he was the guy who used to set up his trade outside my parents' shop which was just walking distance to Sembawang Shipyard. Apparently some American sailor took a liking to him and sponsored him to America. We chatted in our animated Singlish and both felt we are living in a really small world.

About 2 weeks ago I had a vist from my elder bro-in-law. While viewing my ranchus, he kept on saying that he know of a doctor friend who is very good with goldfishes,keep many varities and even concoct his own fish food. He was telling me how dedicated this doctor is to his fishes and out of curiousity, I asked how did he know of this doctor. To cut a long story short...my bro-in-law own a dental lab and did dental cases for this Dr Wee.This is a really small world.

Lately been very busy with work and what not...my fishes took a back seat, but I gotta start planning again as spawning season is just round the corner. I believe I can bring my breeding to another level, but still with very little knowledge and support of some experienced mentor, I am doing things the hard way and many times the wrong way.....it will never be a challenge if one doesn't challenge himself... I took the road...one less traveled by