balloon species

[fishiwish]

Hi all.

I am very new to fishkeeping, and I have really fallen in love with some of the balloon fish I have seen, the balloon molly and the balloon ram. In doing some reading I have come across some really negative comments regarding the creation of these fish, and that they came from breeding mutations. There is a feeling out there amoung some fishkeepers that these species and cruel to have created, and that the health of these types of fish is compromised. Can anyone tell me your take on these types of fish? Thank you!

 

[DesignsOnYou]

Bump. Sorry, I haven't read anything about any of the balloon species, I didn't even realize they were specially bred that way, although I feel like it should have occurred to me. Hopefully someone knows something about them and will help you out.

 

[fishiwish]

Thanks Designs. Appreciate it. I knew nothing of it either till I ran across some stuff on the net.

 

[beckyd]

I have balloon belly mollies. Love them. My understanding is that they basically have spina bifida. Sure, this would seem cruel to me if they bred non-viable, deformed, or weak offspring. Mine have not, so I'm not sure what the fuss is about myself. They have lots of healthy, chubby babies. I keep them with lyretails. I hope to produce a milder balloon, small fish, with a lyretail. Anyway, the fish seem healthy and happy, as do their offspring. So, you got me

 

[fishiwish]

Thanks Becky, it's good to know that they seem to be happy and healthy. I also think they are soo cute.