Hi Mark,
Regarding your question about inbreeding, yes it occurs from time to time, especially with populations that are kept only by a few people, or with populations that have been inbred for several generations without the addition of new fishes to add to the gene pool. Most breeders will use breeding groups of at least 6 or more fishes to ensure that the gene pool will be large enough to last the fish for at least several generations before new blood needs to be infused into the bloodlines.
Most people start off with eggs that came from parent fish which were at least of F2 generation or even later down the generation ladder. It is highly likely that problems will arise much later or even sooner. Deformities such as bent backbones and maybe even belly-sliders or even stunted fish can be linked to genetic problems. Sterility of the fish is a major headache for any breeder and it does happen. Responsible breeders will always look for fish/eggs of the same population but from a different source or breeder to introduce new blood into their lines from time to time to ensure that such problems do not arise.
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