The entire reason we are even HAVING this conversation is that there are too many breeders dumping culls on the market. Nothing saddens me more than seeing culls in a LFS. Then people show up here on RC proud about their new fish, and other people get to point out the numerous flaws.
Is it the responsibility of every person that goes into a LFS to be as knowledgeable as a clown breeder, or else run the risk of getting a poor quality fish? Some faults can be hard to see at first glance if you don't know what to look for. Or do breeders have some responsibility to the market?
Right now it is my opinion that the majority of breeders follow the mantra "if it swims, it sells". There are DEFINITELY exceptions - and some of these exceptions are some of the bigger, more professional groups. But not always. I have seen great fish from small breeders, and culls from large breeders. Just look at the currently available A. latezonatus on the market to see the tremendous difference in quality between what one breeder will release on the market versus what another will.
I'm a 50/50 split on your logic. The main problem I see with what we as aquarist call a breed is far from purebred. We have no idea of the bloodlines that currently are bred across the globe. The only way to initiate a grading system, IMHO is to start from scratch with WC clowns that we know have the traits of that species.
I've seen many tomato clowns in my search for a suitable 'breeder' stock and have had to grow out MANY juvies from Sustainable Aquatics, ORA, C-Quest and a few smaller local 'commercial' breeders over the years. I have grown out clowns starting from 6-14months and have almost always found flaws after about 2 yrs in my possession. Now I'm looking for 'perfect' fish as you speak of b/c I want to pass on the best genetics to my broodstock. So I understand the processing of grading koi and the qty truly considered the pinnacle of broodstock. After raising likely more than 2000 tomato juvies and raising some of those to spawning age, I can truthfully say that I woudl see a 80-90% 'saleable' rate from even slightly imperfect parents.
I have to ask why are we so concerned with a flawless fish in every aspect. That 10-20% I usually gave away to those I knew would not continue breeding efforts with such fish. My uber-perfect pair of tomatos usually had a poor survival rate, whereas my 'B1-A2' pair (the female has a slightly crooked jaw, so this results in the rating) had a superb survival rate. From the same environment, I conclude that my first pair may make purty fish but the second class parents gave life to stronger fish with maybe a few more defects in the hatch. The true question is will most anyone, except a superb breeder or aficionado, really want to shell out the money for perfect tomato costing $100/pc? I think not, so unfortunately it comes down to $$$. This is the same problem with puppy mills today. So, I agree to a point with your concern and statements. Where I draw the line is most all my fish are going to the average aquarist that would just like to enjoy their own slice of aquatic heaven and have no desire to breed out these fish past maybe a couple clutches. I'm ok with that, b/c I would expect (hope) that every breeder chooses their broodstock as I have and looks for the best fish they can possibly obtain.
Now is where I shoot way over you expectations with certain fish. When (not if) I obtain A. Chrysogaster, A. Latifasciatus, A. Omanesis and A. Thiellei, I will be looking for perfect fish to start a breeding program. When these are sold, it will be a direct link to my breeding practices as there no CB specimens in my reach. Everyone will know about my defects within the first few sold by means of forums such as RC (think of the Latz from you know where.....). This is where the start of maintaining a breed to true WC genetics is my highest regard. I do not and cannot tolerate sub-par fish to make a quick buck on these pricey specimens. There is another question as to why so many think cross-breeding is a good idea. If we talk about grading specimens for sale, I think we need to have a pedigree only listing and eliminate any/all unnatural hybrids from the marketplace. They may be fun and new designer fish, but man-made hybrids don't amuse me at all. In this sense when hybrids are considered in the 'grading' system, I will go above and beyond your desire (Bonsainut) to make sure those whom want quality, purebred fish receive this.
I know this was an endless rant, but just letting you know there are those breeders out there that partially agree with your thinking.
