Endler's Live Bearer

Poecilia wingei

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Armando Pou, Adrian HD

Cosmological Argument

Swordtail Endler's

Endler's Live bearer's normally have tail markings that look like they have a single or double swordtail, top bottom, or both, often with a smaller sword on top, but, as seen on the previous page in the first photo, it is only marking on the tail.
I have been trying for years to develop a broad genetic range that would allow for better genetic diversity so that if someone wanted to develop a specific genetic trait, then the genetic material would be available. I have noticed slight elongations of the tails for some time now in particular broods of Endler's, but until now I was uncertain if a true sword would develop.
It has. (See photo below.) (And, zip forward to 2007, nearly 10 years and they continue to pop up from time to time.) I noticed that these fins kept getting longer, but they have continued to grow as the fish matured. The first group has reach maturity and the bottom sword is a true swordtail. The photo below is a composite of shots taken 1/18/99.

There are only four swords, best enumerated by designating something about each. One has a straight long tail, white tip. (Bottom left.) One long strait tail with black on the tail (far right, middle) Another has a bend long tail (bottom right), and the fourth looks like the top sword fell off and was snagged on the bottom sword. This tail is only a fraction longer than normal. (Second row, center shot.)
This does seem to be a new genetic expression, at least in this tank, as the genetic lines are mixed as is evident by the variation in markings on the individual fishes. Working with Endler's is visually confusing because of the apparent sword found normally in the fish. I first thought that there were many swords. When I separated them I realized there were only four. Again, the likelihood is that these came from one parent team and that have different markings. Simply look at the black markings on them to see this. The markings on the tails differ also.
It is interesting that Shireen noted here seem to do this as well. Her line has a known lineage back to the lagoon from where they originated. The fish maintained a genetic mix and apparently the sword is not a dominant characteristic.
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