Point Scoring System:
The total number of points awarded for each successful breeding notified is calculated according to a system which accords batches of five points for each extra degree of difficulty assessed in breeding a particular species.
The criteria used to determine degrees of difficulty are as follows:
|
Criteria
|
Yes
|
No
|
|
Egg Layer?
|
10
|
5
|
|
Are the fish difficult to sex as adults?
|
5
|
0
|
|
Do the fish need to be more than 12 months old to be mature enough to spawn?
|
5
|
0
|
|
Do the fish need to be naturally selected pairs?
|
5
|
0
|
|
Do the fish need live food, or special pre-spawning care for breeding?
|
5
|
0
|
|
Do the fish need a tank of their own to spawn in?
|
5
|
0
|
|
Is special water chemistry required to promote spawning?
|
5
|
0
|
|
Is a temperature change, or other physical trigger required to initiate spawning?
|
5
|
0
|
|
Do the eggs need to be stored specially for them to hatch? (e.g. some Tetras and Killifish.)
|
5
|
0
|
|
Does the species normally produce fewer than 100 eggs or fry when spawning over 24 hours?
|
5
|
0
|
|
Will the parents eat the eggs or fry under normal conditions?
|
5
|
0
|
|
Do the fry need live food to survive?
|
5
|
0
|
|
Do the fry have very small mouths and require infusoria-sized food initially?
|
5
|
0
|
|
Do the fry show an abnormal sensitivity to less than ideal water conditions?
|
5
|
0
|
For example:
Guppies get 5 points for being a non-egg layer, 5 points for being infanticides, 5 points for being better off in their own tank when breeding, and five points for having (mostly) less than 100 fry within 24 hours, for a total of 20 points for a spawning.
A points list for commonly bred fishes is available from the Breeders' Awards Chairperson. Species not on the list will be assessed according to the above criteria. In addition, 5 extra points will be awarded if the species has not been previously bred within CDAS. 15 extra points are awarded for members who produce an article for Tank Talk or make a presentation at a CDAS meeting giving an account of the spawning. This practice is to be encouraged as it not only educates other members in spawning methods but also ensures the continuity of Tank Talk.
Breeding fishes is an important part of the hobby, as it preserves species that may well be extinct soon in the wild. Even the so-called common species will teach the aquarist and their family a lot about the diversity and complexity of nature and are thus a necessary and enjoyable part of keeping the aquarium hobby alive into the 21st Century.