How do you know (endler) guppies are N-class?

[Diving Aquarist]

I've been looking for some N-class endlers (Campoma #31 look só cool), but I have no idea how I can know if they are truly N-class and not P-class. Is it a trust thing?

 

Edit: Forgot to explain for those that don't know about the endler classes:

N-class is pure wild strain, tracable to the place of collection, P-class is a hybrid that lóóks like a wild type. There is also a K-class, and that is unmistakably a hybrid. As far as I know, most endlers being sold in stores are K-class.

Edited July 17, 2021 by Diving Aquarist

[BenA]

For the unwashed; What is N class and P class? 

[Guppysnail]

I think N class is pure and traceable to wild origin rachael oleary did a great YouTube explaining the exact differences

[Guppysnail]

 

[OnlyGenusCaps]

On 7/17/2021 at 11:27 AM, Diving Aquarist said:

I've been looking for some N-class endlers (Campoma #31 look só cool), but I have no idea how I can know if they are truly N-class and not P-class. Is it a trust thing?

The short answer is yes, it comes down to good sources and trust.  I searched for over a year to get my N-class from a source who could tell me who collected them, in what year, and from what location, as well as whose hands they had passed through before getting to me.  I was very picky.  I tend to be for my fish and seek stock I can trust.  I'm patient and persistent. 

The difference between N-class and P-class is impossible to determine visually.  The distinction is good record keeping.  In general hobbyists are terrible record keepers.  It's why conservation organizations and agencies essentially never lean on private citizens to aid their breeding efforts.  I know folks who are in charge of recovery efforts for various species and they get super annoyed with people thinking they can "help save species" by keeping them at home.  It is a very rare thing to have individuals make significant contributions to actually saving species.  Now, there are fishkeepers who do a really good job and maintain some vary rare species.  But in general conservation groups won't touch their stock unless they have zero other options.  All down to record keeping and trust in the purity of strains. 

So, my recommendation is to be patient and ask questions.  If the supplier can't give you enough information, move on and find a new source.  Good luck!