Balloon Rams

[ChilliPepper]

I don't think pugs or similar types of dog are attractive either

You are turning this into a huge thing when it really isn't. The topic was about Balloon Rams, not about the wide range of other fish which are 'modified' from nature.

Whatever you say to the contrary you are not going to change my opinion on these Rams. They are ugly. Oh and I didn't say everyone had to agree with me, I am stating my opinion. You obviously have a problem with it, but I really could not care less

 

[~T~]

I don't think pugs or similar types of dog are attractive either

You are turning this into a huge thing when it really isn't. The topic was about Balloon Rams, not about the wide range of other fish which are 'modified' from nature.

Whatever you say to the contrary you are not going to change my opinion on these Rams. They are ugly. Oh and I didn't say everyone had to agree with me, I am stating my opinion. You obviously have a problem with it, but I really could not care less

I'm not trying to change your opinion though. All I was doing was correcting a few of your statements (i.e long finned/colour morph fish being perfectly healthy and deformed fish not being line bred).

But yes as for the origional topic of balloon rams, the ones I have kept all have been prefectly healthy and hardy (as hardy as rams can be that is). However the mutation which gives them the round appearence may lead to health problems due to the curved spine and possibly the formation of the internal organs so this should be taken into account before purchasing. Blue rams will live fine with bolivians though there may be minor territory squabbles.

For the OP, here is a balloon ram I once owned.

 

[ChilliPepper]

 

[ajs2294]

In my honest opinion Balloon rams look hideous anyway. Why ruin an already beautiful fish into a curvy stunted fish on purpose? The only reason I ever had 2 of the poor things was when my mom decided she wanted them and I had no idea what they were. These days though I always sure to know what I'm purchasing and I don't by anything with intentional deformities.

 

[shroob]

No it really is the same. Like I said it all comes down to peoples personal tastes. Some people like the shorter bodies. In some asian cultures they are a sign of good luck. It's similar to saying whats wrong with the wolf? How is breeding something like a pug or a bulldog enhancing it. But people do like pugs and bulldogs and they will continue to be bred no matter how deformed they are, it's the same with any domestic animal. Just because you don't think it's right to own a deformed pet doesn't mean that everyone has to agree. I have a JD that looks like someone put it through a mangle then hit it in the face with the a spade I like the little guy, ok had I bred the fish myself I would have culled it and would never dream of breeding from it but just because it's a bit "special" doesnt mean it shouldnt be given a good home (not to mention the LFS gave me it for free).

Sorry if it seems like I'm jumping on you here ~T~ far from it, but I would just like to say that in the case where the deformity/"enhancement" leads to a poor quality of life eg. pugs not being able to breathe, then I think everyone should agree that is cruel, to protest otherwise is ignorance.

The difference with the JD is that it was probably a one off, a runt or something, maybe injured, by taking it in you did a it a favour, however you admit you wouldn't breed from it (suggesting its deformity was genetic), the difference is with balloon rams people do breed them as they sell, perpetuating the cycle. I think the only way to stop this is by trying, in a reasoned way, to explain what effects these 'deformities' have on the fish.

I agree with you on line breeding and the weakness that blights modern mass produced fish, but thats another topic.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,

 

[Glenbo1981]

----

 

[~T~]

No it really is the same. Like I said it all comes down to peoples personal tastes. Some people like the shorter bodies. In some asian cultures they are a sign of good luck. It's similar to saying whats wrong with the wolf? How is breeding something like a pug or a bulldog enhancing it. But people do like pugs and bulldogs and they will continue to be bred no matter how deformed they are, it's the same with any domestic animal. Just because you don't think it's right to own a deformed pet doesn't mean that everyone has to agree. I have a JD that looks like someone put it through a mangle then hit it in the face with the a spade I like the little guy, ok had I bred the fish myself I would have culled it and would never dream of breeding from it but just because it's a bit "special" doesnt mean it shouldnt be given a good home (not to mention the LFS gave me it for free).

Sorry if it seems like I'm jumping on you here ~T~ far from it, but I would just like to say that in the case where the deformity/"enhancement" leads to a poor quality of life eg. pugs not being able to breathe, then I think everyone should agree that is cruel, to protest otherwise is ignorance.

The difference with the JD is that it was probably a one off, a runt or something, maybe injured, by taking it in you did a it a favour, however you admit you wouldn't breed from it (suggesting its deformity was genetic), the difference is with balloon rams people do breed them as they sell, perpetuating the cycle. I think the only way to stop this is by trying, in a reasoned way, to explain what effects these 'deformities' have on the fish.

I agree with you on line breeding and the weakness that blights modern mass produced fish, but thats another topic.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,

No I totally agree though I do think there is a fine line and prople don't always realise that exaggerated features (fins, eyes etc) can impact on a fishes quality of life just as much as more obvious deformities.

 

[GShorty1981]

Yeah i agree, I think the normal breeds are much prettier also

Just saw the Electric Blue Rams yesterday, they looked very nice, expensive though! (£18 each)