Fireball Platies? Balloon Platies?

[j0onahra3]

I just saw some up for auction on aquabid.
I've never heard of them ever before.
Anybody know anything about these guys?

Are they some sort of deformity?

Here are some pictures I've seen.







Some are not red too..



They look pretty cute, but I wouldn't want to get them if they were some sort of deformity.

 

[ValorG]

Ive heard of and seen Balloon mollies being sold at my lfs, very similar to these. Its probably just another genetic trait/mutation bred out after many generations just like most phenotypes we see in the fish trade. Dont worry.

 

[jetajockey]

balloon fish have a spinal deformity that causes the funky shape. Unfortunately this trait is selectively bred in several species because people find it 'cute'.

 

[KarlTh]

balloon fish have a spinal deformity that causes the funky shape. Unfortunately this trait is selectively bred in several species because people find it 'cute'.

+1

 

[Racheleeyore]

A few of my fry from one of my platies seem to have this trait...

 

[zpromoter]

A few of my fry from one of my platies seem to have this trait...

Genetics for specific traits can remain 'hidden' for generations, but with right genetic pairing (mating) these elusive traits can show.

My opinion: I would never selectively breed for a trait as 'balloning'. Seems weird to want to purposely shorten a species spine just to plump them up. These fish may seem to live normal lives, but you'd think that this modification would be hard on the organs and digestive tract.

 

[Lab_Rat]

Deformed fish.

 

[Jumko]

I used to keep a few for a couple years in a 10g planted tank where they bred and had a few fry of their own. I raised a few of the fry in a 2.5g tank I kept on my desk and they were quite receptive. They'd recognize me instantly and would constantly beg for food. They swam, ate, and lived perfectly normal lives. Unfortunately, I lost them shortly after a move. I'd pick some up again but the few that I see in the lfs never seem to be in the best shape.

 

[j0onahra3]

Wow. Thanks for the fast replies and information everyone!
I never knew that they were deformities.
I wonder why people do these type of things to fish!
I understand it's for commercial purposes, but they're just as pretty as they are when they're not ballooned.