I need to know from the experts

[LizStreithorst]

Is a short gill plate always genetic or can it be due to poor water quality or other sub-optimal conditions. 

[Mugwump]

Over breeding lines weakens the fry where this can happen...bad water excelerates it

[LizStreithorst]

Can it be due to bad water alone?  These are not fish that I bred myself so It's not a water quality thing.  I don't think that's due to inbreeding because the fish are the product of a lot of weird strains.

[wallace]

I had an angel with see-through gill plates that showed red, but the plates were normal. Over time the silver appeared and eventually it became normal.

[LizStreithorst]

I had an angel with see-through gill plates that showed red, but the plates were normal. Over time the silver appeared and eventually it became normal.

This is not that but I will look more closely before I toss them.

[Mugwump]

Can it be due to bad water alone?  These are not fish that I bred myself so It's not a water quality thing.  I don't think that's due to inbreeding because the fish are the product of a lot of weird strains.

....over and over and.....

[LizStreithorst]

OK. 

I asked on TAS, too, but I'm afraid I'm going to have to cull them.  I hate it.  The best fish are the ones with the deformity.  But it's not like this my greatest disappointment.  When I put it into perspective this ain't shit.

[Mugwump]

....it's best....sorry

[wsantia1]

....it's best....sorry

Sorry to hear that Liz.

[LizStreithorst]

The deed has been done.  I culled 5 fish but the guy sent me extras so I still have 7 left.

[LizStreithorst]

I have just inquired about shipping cost on these.  I'm stubborn.   If I out cross to a different strain I can sow's ears into silk purses http://www.aquabid.com/cgi-bin/auction/auction.cgi?fwangelfish&1501384802.

[wallace]

This looks like the seller...

http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?126577-Louisville-Discus

[LizStreithorst]

I'd I thought that my fish room was packed to bursting

[LizStreithorst]

Nobody approves of my new project? 

[LizStreithorst]

I hate to pass in these because if I am to do anything with half blacks I need new blood.  I lost my old group of half blacks because I couldn't find new blood to cross into the line. 

I'm torn...this guy is asking too much for the fish, at least in my opinion, and he only ships FedEx Overnight.  Shipping for 4 fish would be $55. which would bring the total to $230.  It's just too damn much to spend on 4 fish.  On the other hand, I need them and God only knows when I might see half blacks offered for sale again.

Nobody bid on the auction that I inquired about and it his been relisted.  He has plenty of half blacks available.  I'm thinking that I should wait for the new auction to run it's course with nobody buying and contact the guy again and start negotiating with him at that point.  Do you think that is a good strategy or do you think that I just suck it up and take the plunge?    When I had my half black line I sold proven pairs for $150. and shipped USPS priority.