Balloon belly GBR?

[wlepse]

Wife and I went to several fish stores over the last two days, but at one we saw the cutest little GBR. The tank labeled it as a balloon belly GBR and it did have a somewhat swollen abdomen compared to other rams I have seen. Is this a different variant or did I just see him after he ate a big meal? If this is a genetic variation, are they relatively healthy? More or less tolerant of water conditions? Any insight would be appreciated.

[Algenco]

Balloon rams,mollies,etc are produced by exposing fry to certain heavy metals, not healthy and we should not support the practice

[annageckos]

I agree 100% with that. Though I thought it was genetic defect. Either way I would never support it, to me it is as bad as 'painted' fish.

[wlepse]

Balloon rams,mollies,etc are produced by exposing fry to certain heavy metals, not healthy and we should not support the practice
Really? Do have a link to more info on this? I would have thought this was a genetic abnormality like albino or something along those lines that they selectively breed. Just wasn't sure if it was like an albino where their health is not too compromised by the condition.
I agree 100% with that. Though I thought it was genetic defect. Either way I would never support it, to me it is as bad as 'painted' fish.
Just to play devils advocate...if it is a genetic abnormality and they selectively breed how is that any different that any other fish where they select the parents to get certain traits? Whether it be size or color or even pattern I really don't see how it is different. If they are exposing the fish to dangerous chemicals then I totally agree but not sure how I feel if this does happen in nature though much less often.

[Lab_Rat]

Just to play devils advocate...if it is a genetic abnormality and they selectively breed how is that any different that any other fish where they select the parents to get certain traits? Whether it be size or color or even pattern I really don't see how it is different. If they are exposing the fish to dangerous chemicals then I totally agree but not sure how I feel if this does happen in nature though much less often.

Algenco is right about exposing the fry to toxins so they are deformed.

But to respond to your devil's advocate...color morph traits, while in the wild may lead to issues with predation, does not cause physical harm. Physical deformities can make life very difficult for balloon fish and they are prone to health issues because of that. Personally, I don't understand why people want to look at deformed creatures or think they're cute.

[Northernguy]

They look like sick fish!
I no like them!

[Algenco]

I don't have any links, it came up in a conversation with Dr. Paul V. Loiselle at the 2009 ACA

[wlepse]

I totally agree exposing them to a toxin to get this way is absolutely disgusting but if it isn't from this I am not sure how I feel to be honest. Not sure I would want them but at the same time don't think it is as bad as painted fish. Just about every captive breed animal is selectively bred and often they do cause health problems, like many dogs that have flattened faces have respiratory issues. As to the comment about them looking sick....so do flowerhorns. Everyone has their own interpretation of what is pretty. Again, if this comes from chemicals I think it should be banned, otherwise I am not sure.

Algenco...thanks. I will try to find something since it seems like I am seeing these hybrids more frequently and I would like to be more educated about it.

[annageckos]

Remember, this is how I feel about it. Breeding for color is one thing, no problem with that, unless it affects health in some way. The ballon type fish look to me to have a spinal deformity. Because of this shortening of the body interal organs can be messed up as well. Besides that, I have back problems and it hurts. I know fish do not feel pain as we do, but they still must feel something. Even if they don't it just reminds me of what people will do for 'beauty'. I do not care for fancy goldfish for this same reason, they are deformed, they have health problems. And I think they are ugly. I feel bad for them seeing them having problems swimming, floating to the surface bacause of swim blatter issues. If you don't agree with me that is your choise. I feel the same way about the extreme shapes of some dog breeds, where looks come before health. I love all dogs but some really suffer because people like the way they look with no consern about their quality of life.

[Taurus]

Personally, I don't understand why people want to look at deformed creatures or think they're cute.

I don't find balloon mollys or rams appealing. They have difficulties just swimming around. They look and are deformed intentionally by man. I really don't understand why rams are such a target for mistreatment. In natural form and healthy, they are a very appealing dwarf cichlid. Why mess with that?

(Rhetorical question. Obviously it's for financial gain.)

[wlepse]

Remember, this is how I feel about it.
Not trying to change your mind and I respect your opinion. Just not sure how I feel about it and am hoping to get more info from other users.

[gabbyguppy]

Remember, this is how I feel about it. Breeding for color is one thing, no problem with that, unless it affects health in some way. The ballon type fish look to me to have a spinal deformity. Because of this shortening of the body interal organs can be messed up as well. Besides that, I have back problems and it hurts. I know fish do not feel pain as we do, but they still must feel something. Even if they don't it just reminds me of what people will do for 'beauty'. I do not care for fancy goldfish for this same reason, they are deformed, they have health problems. And I think they are ugly. I feel bad for them seeing them having problems swimming, floating to the surface bacause of swim blatter issues. If you don't agree with me that is your choise. I feel the same way about the extreme shapes of some dog breeds, where looks come before health. I love all dogs but some really suffer because people like the way they look with no consern about their quality of life.

Excellent post. Couldn't agree more.

[KingFisher]

Excellent post. Couldn't agree more.

make that X2

[Lab_Rat]

Algenco...thanks. I will try to find something since it seems like I am seeing these hybrids more frequently and I would like to be more educated about it.

They are not hybrids. They are pure specimens intentionally disfigured because there is profit to be made from the people who think they are "cute". A fish that should have normal morphology is purposefully disfigured and doomed to a life of health issues from this physical deformity. To me, that's pretty similar to painted/tattooed fish.

[funky_fish]

I like balloons. I like fish. I don't like balloon fish.