hi, i agree with what has been just said: the fat goes around reproductive organs (and other) and make the fish become sterile. However, is there a simple way to assess the level of body fat of a fish? Yes we can just look at its forhead or so, but would that be representative of what is going on inside the fish? What i mean, is that some fish are naturally stocking fat at some places which make them look more aggressive/attractive. what do you think? Yvan Alleau 712 NW Kings Blvd Corvallis, OR 97330 College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences Oregon State University office (Burt 222): 737-3649, to be used wisely! home: 738-0606 PLEASE NOTE NEW E-MAIL ADDRESS: yalleau@coas.oregonstate.edu "When you're far from everything, you're getting closer to the essential" ------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is the apistogramma mailing list, apisto@listbox.com. For instructions on how to subscribe or unsubscribe or get help, email apisto-request@listbox.com. apisto-digest@listbox.com also available. Web archives at http://lists.thekrib.com/apisto Trading at http://blox.dropship.org/mailman/listinfo/apisto_trader