ML makes a good point. Coloration can and is effected by a number of things like the environment (water color/condition , light penetration/intensity, bottom composition ) current conditions (like feeding , being hunted , stress ) as well as genetics. Appearance is in the larger sense genetic but so are many other traits like size potential , reproduction rates , adaptive abilities and instincts. Each of these can also be effected by conditions/environment.


I try to remember that, like people , all fish in a species are common on the species level but can be different on the population basis (distinct populations can be different) and also different on the individual basis. We all know people look different, are of different sizes , shapes and have distinct traits and abilities. So to with , for example all BG (each with traits of its parents). When you cross a species with another (BG x GSF) that adds even more potential genetic variation. That is one reason I started the HBG thread with pics.

http://www.pondboss.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=5;t=000439