Ok, so I know hybrids have been discussed many times before, but what do you think would be the pro's and con's of the whole thing?
I am really considering trying it out to see the outcomes of a few.
I currently have some C.darlingi x C.brachycephalus slings that someone in the country bred. As I have been watching these grow up I am convinced it is the same spider as what is being sold in the states as C.brachycephalus "hobby form". These have been going there for a while, so seems it is possible to breed hybrids.
One of the definitions of a species is: A species is often defined as a group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring. If these different "species" can then interbreed, then according to this definition they are surely not seperate species?
There are definitely some interesting things that could be discovered when breeding different spiders.
A friend and myself were discussing some ideas that we might try. Possibly some Poecilotheria hybrids.
We were also thinking about what would happen if a M.balfouri were to mate with a P.murinus. Might give it a go if I could get a breeding permit and permission, even though they are the from different genera.

1. So what are your feelings towards hybridizing?
2. Would you buy/take a hybrid, knowing its a hybrid?
3. Would you ever consider breeding 2 different species together to make a hybrid?

Lets hear it.

I don't know the pro's and con's about hybrids. What I do know is I would love to add them to my collection. To be one of the first to have a T in my collection that other collecters do not have would be awesome.
I brag alot when it comes to my T's and a hybrid would just give me so much more bragging rights. :woohoo:

I'm opposed to hybridization of anything. I believe the genetic lines should be kept pure.

Just because 2 T's can mate doesn't mean they shouldn't. Some people like poodles, others likes Labradors. Then someone decides laboodles is pretties, tries it, names a new species and sells it for thousands. Others get the same idea and tries poodras, poodors, doodles and everything and before you know it the market is flooded with Baster Brakke that is worth nothing and the original Pure Bloods is so rare they're worth fortunes and people start to make foundations and other countless groups in the name of Pure Species.
Yes, I know there is the possibility of getting a new species (like the German Sheppard is one success story I know). I still wouldn't support hybridization.

I would definitely consider breeding two different species though, after considering whether their different reproduction organs could possibly 'fit'. But I'll do it purely on research intentions. I won't let them get into the market. (I don't have any at the moment, also can't think of any possible 'research intentions' one could have)

FriedPet wrote: Just because 2 T's can mate doesn't mean they shouldn't.

??? That sentence doesn't make much sense?

Dogs are a bad example though because all dogs are the same species.

FriedPet wrote: I'm opposed to hybridization of anything. I believe the genetic lines should be kept pure.

FriedPet wrote: I would definitely consider breeding two different species though, after considering whether their different reproduction organs could possibly 'fit'.

Have you been drinking by any chance?

Lol, It doesn't mean they should! Ah, that's more like it!

Oh boy, Lol again = I noticed that after I wrote. Just the flow of my thinking What I'm trying to say is that I won't buy hybrids. I already think less of them.

Dogs bad example. Fair enough. I'm not familiar with the hierarchy of the classification of species. So why is dogs one species but Tarantulas not? (I know, me sound probably retarded)
Couldn't dogs be classified the same species because so many hybridization has already occurred?

Haven't had anything to drink....running low on sleep though...could be that

FriedPet wrote: Dogs bad example. Fair enough. I'm not familiar with the hierarchy of the classification of species. So why is dogs one species but Tarantulas not? (I know, me sound probably retarded)
Couldn't dogs be classified the same species because so many hybridization has already occurred?

Haven't had anything to drink....running low on sleep though...could be that

Not sure the exact reasons. Marula is the best person that comes to mind to possibly explain it. Or maybe scarab depending on how philosophical he is feeling this afternoon.
Maybe it has to do with the fact that they can all interbreed? But I'm sure its not cause of too much hybridization (Considering they have always been 1 species? I think?).

Lack of sleep? That's what they all say.