I have a fish. Let's call her Roberta J.L.G. Roberta was born/spawned about 4 months ago. Roberta is now big enough that her owner, let's call him Wade, finally is beginning to notice that Roberta is horribly misshapen relative to the expected shape of Roberta's species.

Now Roberta's owner knows that ethically it would be inappropriate to attempt to breed Roberta (assuming Roberta is even fertile). However, Wade's moral compass is struggling to find true north on whether Roberta should be allowed to live out her life as full as it can be in a 30-gallon tank, or whether Roberta should be spared a life of mockery by her peers, and instead ship her off to a youth in Asia.

Now, after you hit that "Preview" button, but before you hit that "Submit" button on your reply to me. Ask yourself, "Is what I'm about to post possibly going to be received by others as a controversial and/or provocative comment?" If the answer is yes, please do everyone a favor, and just PM me instead.

Wade, I keep them. They don't usually live as long as the other fish. I have had several that are not quite right.

That's just me. I've never had a deformed fish spawn.

I think as long as you can guarantee she won't spawn, keep her. The only other reason I could see to put her down would be quality of life. If she struggles to eat, is excessively picked on by other fish, or just plain old looks one step from death then I would put her down.

Clint

I'd cull...sorry, but I would give Roberta a super nice "short" life...feed her well, lots of good, clean water. I don't like to, but eventually I have to make decisions. Some I keep around for awhile...treat them well...then say goodbye when it is time.

I agree with Clint, and Lisa. Depends on her quality of life, and where she fits into my scheme. If she were a fry, that I was going to sell or spawn, she would be put in the freezer. If she's a pet, I'd make sure she lives a comfortable life. If nothing else, you could give her away to someone who doesn't mind.

If she's happy and she knows clap your fins, if she is functioning it is totally up to you. I have kept several unique individuals and they seldom pass on the uniqueness on to the offspring and live pretty normal lives. Missing fins, broken backs and other unique physical characteristics happen and just part of fish life.

I am keeping this short and sweet. I agree with Jack.

Matt05 wrote:


Wow! Thanks man. Seldom I hear those words!!!

You bet. I was going to say exactly you said, but you couldn't have said it any better.

Thanks for all of the responses. Roberta's spine is waaay out of whack, but she's able to swim and eat so I guess she's a keeper

Here's my ascii art attempt at drawing Roberta (too lazy to just take a picture):

>_-=*>

Pretty spooky huh?