Hi jmg (name?),
Taking your first question fish for fish, Platies (and there are two
species used commercially) are mainly found in the low-land streams of eastern
Mexico. The numerous species of Swordtails are found in Central American
streams -- largely in Mexico, including Baja California -- in stream at higher
elevations, which is why they can tolerate somewhat cooler water.
Mollies are found mostly (but not exclusively) in the brackish coastal
estuaries of North and Central American streams, with some found in Mexican
Lakes. Some are found also, from South Carolina to Texas, along the Gulf Coast.
Again, there are numerous Molly species.
Guppies originate in streams in Trinidad and on the mainland, in Venezuela.
The fancy ones found today in the hobby were originally developed by
several aquarists, starting back in the 1940's. Paul Hahnel (from Bronx, NY) was
one such hobbyist, who I had occasion to visit. Two other noteable
hobbyist from New Jersey who I had the pleasure of knowing, by the names of Larry
Konig and Dr. John Rutkowski, developed in the late 1950's what was
advertised as the "Rutking Guppy."
Cory Catfish come from South America, while Plecos come from both Central
and South America. Lots of different species of both of them.
As for "Dalmation" Mollies (and this name has been used to more highly
popularize the fish in the hobby) -- also, and originally known as the "Marble"
Molly and the "Salt & Pepper" Molly -- it should be first understood that
several Molly species do occasionally develop some black marking in nature,
the rest of the fish having a green coloration. While this fish is a hybrid
of Poecilia (Mollienisia) sphenops and P. latipinna, it's also a "sport"
(mutation) of the black and white coloration which has been "fixed" (developed
to breed true, in this case, to color) as a strain.
The Black Sailfin Molly is a hybrid of P. vellifera and P. latipinna with
occasional insertions (depending on the developing strain at the time) of P.
sphenops and/or P. mexicana for added strength. It was first developed by
William Schaumberg of Crescent Fish Farms (in New Orleans, LA) in the late
1920's and into the 1930's). At around this same time, William Sternke of
Sternke Fish Farm (in Florida) was also developing his strain of Black Sailfin
Mollies. At times, the Royal Molly, P. petenensis was also used in the
cross.with the Yucatan Molly, P. vellifera and P. latipinna in first trials in
developing it.
Yes, Pineapple Swords are hybrids and morphs (fixed sports).
Albino Cory Cats are domestically fixed sports of the albino trait. While
this recessive trait may been found in the genetic make-up of some wild
Cory's, most that happen to hatch in the wild seldom survive very long as they
very obviously stand out from the rest to predators.
The are several species of Ghost Shrimp. Many are found in various
locations in North America.
Sure, tropical fish can be kept outside in most areas, at least for some
time during the warmer months. You just need to make sure the water stays
above 70 o. As fall approaches, it becomes time to move them indoors, along
with their pond water, before the temperarture drops too far.
Ray
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