Is there a resource either on the web or in book form which lists the genetics of the various color varieties? Things such as assigning a symbol to the gene for each variety, explaining whether it's dominant or recessive and which heterogeneous conditions produce which varieties and whether any of the characteristics are sex linked.

If it could also have pictures with a label for each color variety, that would be fantastic, so that one can be sure that the name the author is using is the same color of fish that the reader is thinking of.

I've searched, a lot, and not found anything. The best I've found is one of the 1960s era "Enjoy the..." series.

It seems like the kind of thing that would be out there, but perhaps it has yet to be compiled?

Specifically, at the moment I'm trying to establish a strain of pineapple swords. I love the color variety but the ones I was able to find locally were pathetic in the health and heartiness department. So I managed to cross them with some greens before they expired. Now I'm trying to breed the pineapples back out. I think I mixed a red eyed red albino in there at some point more by accident than anything. I really need more tanks to do this *right* but who doesn't?

On a related note, does anyone import the wild greens regularly? It seems like out crossing back to the wild stock might be a useful addition.

Trag,

In my opinion, you have found one of the best sources for Fancy Xiphophorus genetics if you have the book enjoy your Modern Swordtails and Platys.
I would now try to acquire a copy of Fancy Platies also by the late/ great Dr.Joanne Norton.

Darrell

I have a friend getting some hellerri wild swords from a location in hawaii he knows of if inteerested keep in touch with me.He is to busy to become a memeber of ala as far as I know.
gerard

How are you too busy to join? I can see being too busy to participate on the forum itself. *curious*

Welcome to the forum, Trag.

I agree with Darrell's suggestion to seek out anything written by Dr. Norton.

Otherwise, what you have to understand is that domestic 'Platies & Swordtails' can be a combination of any number of Xiphophorus species. While we can make some pretty educated guesses about various traits, there is always a chance that you'll be dealing with different genes than someone else is dealing with, even if the fish are supposed to be the same. What genes are involved, inherited, and how they play with each other, can vary widely.

This is especially true now that more wild-type Xiphophorus are in the hobby. I can use the research that Dr. Norton did so brilliantly as a guide, but I'd have to map my own colony. Her domestic red Swordtails may be X. helleri x X. maculatus, whereas mine could be X. helleri x X. maculatus with X. montezumae as a paternal great grandpa, type thing. Furthermore, chances are I don't know what genes my domestic hybrid is carrying, I just know I have a pretty red Swordtail.

Basically, there is no standard chart because there is no standard hybrid to base it on. But you will learn a lot from Dr. Norton that still applies, and that much more from other ALA members should you choose to join. The 'Livebearers' journal that comes with membership often has articles with details that you won't find elsewhere. We'd love to have you join us.

Hey Darrell ,I took your advice, and did a little searching and found a copy of Dr.Norton’s book,and it is excellent.
Melody ,as always you are right on.

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Good! Now you need to locate a copy of "Fancy Platies" by Dr Joanne Norton if you don't already have it.

Darrell

Melody,

What you said is true, but those old books by Dr Norton gives the basic genetics (regardless of the species of Xiphophorus involved) and I suggest that anyone interested in working with Fancy Swordtails & Platies should obtain both books.

Darrell

Yup, I agree.