Re: Pelcos- Do they out grow tanks?

>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>>Regional differences must make a huge impact as well (speaking to Mr.
>>>>Gardner's comment on home breeders). After doing some reading on Zebra
>>>>Plecos, it seems one could make a killing if they could get a viable
>>>>breeding pair. I checked out a different lfs last night that had some
>>>>great cats (fish) and zebra (plecos) came up. He claimed that he could
>>>>get them well under the $100 per fry that they seem to be going for on
>>>>fish auction web sites. I have also seen bushy/bristle the last few
>>>>times I have been shopping here in New England.
>>>
>>> We've discussed previously the increasing number of bushy noses that
>>> are arriving with health problems. My lfs told me that his supplier
>>> informed him he's not going to be getting any for a while, until he
>>> starts seeing healthier fish coming through. This particular supplier
>>> services all of the fish sellers in this region, so for now, they are
>>> not available in Northern New England - except those that the big box
>>> stores may be bringing in from their own distributors. I wasn't sure
>>> if I was asking for trade secrets when I asked him if there are
>>> numerous suppliers or if all of his competitors get their fish from
>>> the same place. His answer was same place. He said the biggies like
>>> Petco have their own suppliers, several main distribution points set
>>> up across the country, keeping their costs down by purchasing in mega
>>> quantities and having them delivered to just a handful of distribution
>>> centers. I enjoy picking my lfs' brain and trying to learn as much as
>>> I can about the supply and distribution system; I'm interested in what
>>> comes from where, Asian fish farms, Florida farms, and wild caught.
>>> A reliable home breeder of any number of different species could pick
>>> up some nice change linking up with a couple of mom and pop stores.
>>>
>>> -- Mister Gardener

> Yeah, I know. I'm keeping my eyes and ears open for them. A year ago,
> heck, a few months ago, there were everywhere, now all I am seeing is
> "common pl*co" in all the stores. Wherever I go from here is a long
> drive, and I've given up on telephoning shops. "Aunt Sister Who?"
> "Bushy what." "Female Pleco, you've got to be kidding, Mister."
>
> You are from down under, eh? I've read that you guys have some pretty
> strict laws about what comes into and goes out of your country. Is it
> as tight as they say? (I'm speaking of fish coming in and going out.)
>
> -- Mister Gardener