29-02-2024, 03:42 PM
That would be neat to have! I don't know about the harem of brides though unless they are also wild-type. Regarding guppies I see on iNaturalist that there are some near Reporoa. They might be wild-type but I wonder how they are surviving, unless that stream is warm. I know there are swordtails somewhere around Lake Taupo too, but they have a greater tolerance for cooler temperatures than guppies. Guppies really are tropical which is why I no longer have any - I'm sticking to what can go in the pond and just have White Cloud Mountain minnows with the goldfish. The minnows have no colour variation though, except for the gold version. But at least with the goldfish I have the pleasure of identifiable individuals.
You mention air breathers, of which the main freshwater ones are anabantids. I had thought of getting a paradise fish for the pond but you need the colour of a male, and he would likely eat the minnows - not for food, but out of aggression regarding another colourful fish. I did have some once, and when I put some guppies in it was was extraordinary how quickly the male paradise gulped one down. I won't make that mistake again.
You mention air breathers, of which the main freshwater ones are anabantids. I had thought of getting a paradise fish for the pond but you need the colour of a male, and he would likely eat the minnows - not for food, but out of aggression regarding another colourful fish. I did have some once, and when I put some guppies in it was was extraordinary how quickly the male paradise gulped one down. I won't make that mistake again.