How did selective breeding lead to the development of the Pure Red Line (PRL)
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The development of Pure Red Line (PRL) shrimp through selective breeding is an interesting process:
- Origin: PRL shrimp were developed from Crystal Red Shrimp (CRS), which themselves were selectively bred from wild Bee shrimp (Caridina cf. cantonensis) found in Taiwan and southern China.
- Focus on red coloration: PRL breeders specifically aimed to create a strain with intense, pure red coloration and distinct white markings. This was in contrast to regular CRS, which can have varying degrees of red intensity.
- Avoiding crossbreeding: Unlike some CRS breeders who crossed their shrimp with Golden Bee shrimp to enhance white coloration, PRL breeders maintained a pure lineage without such crossbreeding.
- Long-term process: The development of PRL took many generations of selective breeding. Breeders consistently chose shrimp with the most desirable traits (deepest red color, clearest patterns) to reproduce.
- Strict selection criteria: PRL breeders focused on achieving a consistently vibrant red color, often prioritizing this over the complex grading system used for regular CRS.
- Introduction to the market: PRL shrimp were introduced to the US market in early 2014, representing a new standard in crystal shrimp breeding.
- Ongoing refinement: Even after establishing the PRL strain, breeders continue to selectively breed for desired traits, with some spending 15-20 years refining their lines.
- Genetic consistency: Due to this selective breeding process, PRLs tend to produce offspring with more consistent coloration and patterns compared to regular CRS.