Supernatural Wonders: Last 35 Posts

jennifer on "image test"

jennifer — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 06:15:47 +0000

is that brief enough?

jennifer on "Sample Fish Topic"

jennifer — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 04:56:06 +0000

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced that a petition to list the polar bear (Ursus maritimus) as threatened under the Endangered Species Act presents substantial scientific and commercial information indicating that listing the polar bear may be warranted. As a result, the agency is initiating a status review of the polar bear to determine if the species should be proposed for listing and opening a 60-day public comment period to allow all interested parties an opportunity to provide information on the status of the polar bear throughout its range.

jennifer on "Sample Fish Topic"

jennifer — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 04:54:22 +0000

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today proposed voluntary guidelines and a regulatory definition designed to help landowners and others understand how they can help ensure that bald eagles continue to be protected consistent with existing law.

jennifer on "Genetics"

jennifer — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 04:08:59 +0000

Angelfish genetics follow the same genetic principles discovered by Mendel and his beans. Characteristics of an angelfish are determined by its array of genes. Dominant genes express themselves when crossed with other genes it can predominate or act in codominance with. For example, the genotypes for the true breeding black angelfish are considered a dominant gene when crossed with a gold angelfish. Recessive genes express themselves only when crossed with another related recessive gene. The genotypes for the pearlscale angelfish is considered a recessive gene just as the gold angelfish genotype whereas the characteristic desired will only express itself if both parents carry the allele.

A simple way to determine phenotypes is to designates single letters for individual characteristics. A common silver angelfish could be designated as "S" while the marble angelfish may be designated "M". Both of the marble characteristics from a mother and father fish would give the progeny "MM" genotypes (true breeding). Both the female and male genotypes are combined to form the offspring's characteristics. Simple multiplication can be used to give theoretical ratios. A diagram can be used to visualize what characteristics a breeding pair would produce in what is called the Punnit Square. This is useful to help identify the outcome of a spawning. Place the alleles of one parent across the top and the alleles of the other parent on the side vertically. Now copy the respective allele down from the top row and position it in each box directly beneath it. From the side rows, bring each allele across into each box to the right of the allele. Each box represents 25% of the possible outcomes of each cross. This represents the genotype of each fish. The phenotype (how it appears) is decided by the dominant and recessive characteristics of each allele in its respective box.

jennifer on "Sample Fish Topic"

jennifer — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 04:07:27 +0000

Cross-breeding and mutant variation has produced many varieties of angelfish throughout the hobby. I'll first start with the basic varieties I think everyone should know of and then go into the more exotic varieties. Periodically, a new variety of angelfish emerges in the hobby, however, in most cases these varieties are simply cross-breeds and not true mutations. When the fish is said to be true breeding (e.i. Silver, Black, Gold, Marble), it is most likely to be a variety with its own genotype that does not need cross-breeding to bring about the trait. Other varieties such as Black Lace or German Blue Blushers are not true breeds and need a specific cross to produce the desirable trait. Similar to the primary colors that can make all other colors, the basic strains of angelfish can produce most of the other strains currently available in the hobby. Another characteristic of the basic strains is the hardiness and relative ease in breeding and of these fish. The more exotic strains are more difficult to maintain.

jennifer on "Your first topic"

jennifer — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 03:49:20 +0000

First Post! w00t. indeed!