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Here is one of my guppies that was deformed at birth. I didn't expect it to survive, but not only has it matured, but it's also pregnant!

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	deformed.jpg (69.2 KB, 55 views)
	deformed1.jpg (87.0 KB, 58 views)

bmxer193

i cant see anything in those pics, How is it "deformed" lol

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This is a closeup of the same image, highlighting the guppy inquestion. Her tail is almost at right-angles to her body. She has been like this since she was born, and manages very well.

Attached Images

Image1.jpg (22.9 KB, 43 views)

Dino

Sorry, that fish needs to be culled.
She will more than likely produce offspring with the same problem.

COBettaCouple

amazing that she survived she's a little fighter, i would've figured she'd not make it too.

Allie

So don't keep the offspring.

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I am a great believer in nature and it's way to correct errors, so I would expect the offspring to be normal. If they are not, then we have a new species! lol

COBettaCouple

lol.. yea.. first balloon mollies, now zigzag guppies!

Isabella

Wow, she looks like she's bent in half!

If she seems happy and doesn't appear to be suffering, there is NO NEED for you to kill it. All living creatures deserve a chance at life.

timg

I agree completely with you Isabella. I see no ned to kill a healthy fish, any more than you would kill a deformed child. She has survived this long on her own and any babies she has will probably be normal, since I believe her deformity was caused in the mother, as she was one of a large batch of guppies.

We shall soon see what her offspring are like, as she is only a week or so away from birthing.

I will separate her when she looks imminent so that I can check her babies away from the others. That way I will know for sure whether they are good or not.

Isabella

Exactly! Amen to that

The reason I am also for letting your fish live is the hard struggle they go through just to stay alive. If it's not suffering, it's absolutely wrong to kill it. ALL living creatures have the right to life, absolutely all. I understand you perfectly well after what has happened to my baby Cherry Barb: My baby Cherry Barb is dying :'''( - just seeing it fighting so hard to survive makes the idea of killing it so cruel.

Chief_waterchanger

Just to say upfront: I can see both sides of this, both the side that says keep it alive and the side that says it should have been culled.

I just want to make a clear statement that if someone else had the choice to make and they culled it, that is not 'wrong' it is their choice. When it is a question of morality rather than fact there is never a right and wrong. I am not taking sides and do not intend this post to make a debate or arguement on right, wrong, morality, etc. Just making sure to neutralize the playing field here.

Isabella

Chief, lol, I'm not really trying to start any philosophical debate either. The fact is - we'll never know what the deformed fish is "thinking" haha - so the best we can do is judge by its behavior whether it is suffering or not. Of course, if the fish could talk to us, it would tell us whether it wants to live or die, and it would tell us if it's suffering or not. Then we'd honor its wishes and do as it wanted us to do. But knowing it can't talk to us, the best we can do is observe it. If it does not appear to be suffering, then why should we kill it? If you had a deformed child, who - besides the physical disability - is otherwise a biologically healthy and happy human being, would you kill it? LOL, the answer is obvious. It's the same with other living creatures - just because they're disabled doesn't mean they can't live healthy (besides the physical disability) and happy lives. I've seen dogs and cats badly physically disabled but they live happy and healthy lives thanks to the owners who love them and provide them a loving and caring home.

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Your point is well taken. I just find it amazing that fish with severe deformities are able to survive to adulthood, and if they do make it that far, then they have earned the right, in my eyes, to re-produce. If the fry are deformed then they will be removed and disposed of, since to continue this strain would be wrong.

If, however, my theory is correct, then I will end up with healthy, normal fry that would otherwise have been lost. Bit of a commercial view, perhaps, but nature is in control here, and always will be.

Chief_waterchanger

I am not saying I do not agree with you all, not saying I do, but not saying I don't. (Remaining neutral is a good thing sometimes. ) Just wanting to make sure everyone realized that to say a choice based on morality is right or wrong can not really be a statement with legs to stand on, because everyone has a different basis of morality. Sorry if it came across as me arguing, anywho, I will hush up now.

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No Problem! A healthy discussion is good for everyone!

I also agree that if the fish was showing signs of distress or suffereing, then euthanasia would be my choice too. As it is, there is no sign of anything other than a happy and active little guppy who happens to be slightly out of shape!

The test will be when, or if, it can give birth. This is another reason for wanting to separate it from the rest during this time. I can keep an eye on it and if there are any signs of distress, then can take the necessary action.

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And I like taking the soap box sometimes too!...lol

Isabella

Chief , I agree that everyone is different and every person's moral code may be very different. I was rather referring to morality in general. There are certain moral views that are innate to all human beings and even to all religions of the world (ex. all people would agree that it is wrong to steal, kill, etc ...) The right to life is one of those innate morals - all living creatures feel they have that right and that it cannot be taken away from them especially if they're healthy and able to live happily.

I think these two books - "Right and Reason" by Fr. Austin F-a-g-othey, S.J. and "The Great Dialogues of Plato" - would be a great read for you Chief (that is, if you like philosophy). These books explain very well what morals are generally accepted by all humanity.

LOL ... I had to spell the name with dashes because it contains "f-a-g-o-t !!! Hahaha Fish Lore recognizes this word as offensive so it will show stars ( *** ) instead.