A search for origins of iridescence in modern domesticA guppies; if and when did introgression occur?

POECILIID RESEARCH

                       International Journal of the Bioflux Society-

                                                                    Research Article

A search for origins of iridescence in modern domestic^A guppies; if and when did introgression occur?

Alan S. Bias

Swordtail Guppy Breeder & Designer, P.O. Box 1508, Lewisburg, West Virginia 24901, USA. Corresponding author: A. S. Bias, alansbias@aol.com

Abstract. The source of genetic inputs in modern Domestic² Guppy strains has long been a controversial topic in breeder circles. Assumed by many to consist solely of Poecilia reticulata, and considered by others to have multiple inputs from closely related variant populations^B. The attempt of this paper is to demonstrate that sum genotype, in particular for at least one identifiable trait known as Iridescens (Ir), stems from an amalgamation through interbreeding of native Guppy^C populations in divergent stages of incipient speciation⁶; that are capable of interbreeding and surviving in either habitat, and are therefore non-cryptic¹. Offspring should not be viewed as interspecific hybrids⁵ (between different species in the same genus), as they are capable of viable reproduction, lacking any high degree of decrease in reproductive viability. Domestic strains, like wild counterparts in reproductive isolation¹¹ are not speciated. Results are based on 45 years breeding experience of which nearly thirty (30) years have been devoted to strains collectively known as “Swordtail Guppies”, efforts of other professional breeders, and that of the scientific community.

Key Words: swordtail guppy, domestic strains, Vienna emerald, wild-type, guppy populations, reflective qualities, smaragd-iridescens, iridescence, Poecilia reticulata, Poecilia obscura, Poecilia wingei, Cumana’ guppy, Campoma guppy, Endler’s livebearer.

Hypothesis. Based on what we know today, it is likely early 1900’s importations of the Guppy (Poecilia reticulata) made available to breeders contained “iridescent-reflective” genotype (Photo 1), as a result of admix of variant populations. Therefore, future introductions and usage of variants, by breeders, in domestic stocks should be viewed simply as “genetic tools” for improvement. Does phenotypical evidence exist to support admix?    

Photo 1. Iridescent Asian Blau Schimmelpennig Platinum (Domestic Strain)

(photo by A. S. Bias).

FOR FULL TEXT AND PHOTOS: http://www.pr.bioflux.com.ro/docs/2013.22-39.pdf

Received: 03 December 2013. Accepted: 16 December 2013. Published online: 20 December 2013.

Author: 

Alan S. Bias, Swordtail Guppy Breeder, P.O. Box 1508, Lewisburg, WV  24901, USA, http://swordtailguppies.com/, e-mail: alansbias@aol.com

This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source

are credited.

How to cite this article:

Bias A. S., 2013 A search for origins of iridescence in modern domestic guppies; if and when did introgression occur? Poec Res 3(1):22-39.