Over the past few days I have been discussing Hybridization of Dwarf Shrimp and attempting to show my arguments against it. Today I am going to attempt to refute arguments for it. Here are a few of the arguments for hybridization that I have come across.

  • Possibly genetically stronger shrimp
  • Possible better-looking shrimp
  • Greater control over aesthetics

Possibly genetically stronger shrimp

A genetically strong shrimp is a possible outcome of a cross breed and there is no argument that it is not a possibility. There is also a possibility of a genetically inferior shrimp. Either way, I don’t like the idea.

Dwarf Shrimp, in general, are fairly robust and easy to care for. The need for a genetically stronger shrimp is not great, if at all. Many of the popular Dwarf Shrimp can be cared for by a beginner hobbyist and the more advanced shrimp are easy to care for by and season aquarist.

The biggest problem with a genetically stronger, or weaker Dwarf Shrimp goes back to possible release into the wild. A genetically superior shrimp will eventually eliminate a genetically inferior native population.

So the need for a genetically stronger shrimp is low and the possible ramifications are great!

Possible better-looking shrimp

Again, the possibility of a better-looking shrimp cannot be dismissed. There is a possibility that a hybrid shrimp could be better looking, as well as less aesthetically pleasing. The process of hybridizing a shrimp could lead to some amazing looking shrimp, but so does selective breeding of a single species.

There are no dangers presented to a native population by a selectively bred shrimp. The selectively bred shrimp is the same species as the native population, with specific traits being displayed more. Again, no need to possibly mess up a species just to accomplish something that may be accomplished with selective breeding.

Greater control over aesthetics

I have never understood this argument. I have seen it a few times but scientifically this is just not the case. Control over the outcome of a hybrid is limited and experimental. Sure, the results can be replicated if the conditions are right, but there is no where near the control with hybridization as there is with selective breeding.

So those are my thoughts. I highly encourage further discussion about this topic!