Culling Fry

[gturmindright]

What types of differences are you seeing early on that warrant removal? Are the first ones to color up always males? 

[mikevxr]

I would only cull fry if there is a deformity - I've only seen it twice in 7 years and it was probably down to me being a bit picky (I've about 200 Tropheus). Personally, I would never cull healthy fish due to being males, just my own opinion.

[gturmindright]

I was wondering about the first ones to color up being males because they'd also be bigger. Not that'd they'd be automatically eliminated for being males. However, I don't believe that culling undesirable fish is any worse than using feeder fish.

[mikevxr]

I've had large brightly coloured "males" turn out to be females - and just as aggressive in behaviour. Typically males grow quicker but it's not always the case.
Not sure what you mean by "undesirable fish" ,I'm assuming any fish that's not 100% or Hybrids.

[gturmindright]

I just consider undesirable fish any fish that you don't want for whatever reason. Just like if you don't want any fry you keep a calvus or some synodontis.

[mikevxr]

If a Tropheus is healthy and an ok size they’re easily sold on. I would never cull a healthy standard Troph but if it’s a hybrid I wouldn’t hesitate - just my own view.

[...]

Culling doesn't have to necessitate killing. You can remove undesirable fish from a group when selectively breeding. Most LFS will take them for store credit and you can get some food or other needed items. Like Mike, I would def eliminate hybrids to keep lines as pure as possible, and deformed fish as well if I believe it's genetic and not mechanical. I have kept numerous deformed fish that have been able to feed and compete, but just not in breeding groups. Some deformities are not genetic and can come about by being held too long, or by mom that is trying to hold too many fry.
At the end of the day it is your choice what you keep, and what you do, but I reckon there's a big diff between unwanted and undesirable. Even though fish are not generally seen as valuable as a dog for instance, they are still a living creature and should be treated with the respect the sacredness of life beckons.
Anyhoo, my 2CW