Hi there. I have a whole bunch (50+) of kribensis cichlid fry, most are just a few weeks old while about 12 of them are around 5 months old, about 1 inch long. I've already given my LFS about 30 from my last brood, and of course they don't by them from me despite the massive amounts (at least to a college student) of money that I spend at their store. They only accept them as donations, then turn around and sell them for about 8 dollars per fish. And they are the only LFS for about thirty miles other than corporate stores, who won't take them because of corporate regulations, bla bla... Anyway, I was just wondering if you had any advice for me. I don't neccesarily want to make any money, but I certainly am a bit put off by my LFS's actions after all the plants and fish I've given them, money I've spent there, not to mention the customers I've sent their way...they've never cut me a deal, they just smile and take my money because they know I can't get what I need anywhere else but the internet or another store 30+ miles away...who are probably just as bad. Jerks. Well, I guess I'll just have to learn some patience and use the web.
So. Know anyone who wants a grip o' cichlids? I figure this site was the best place to start. I've only got so many tanks, and I'm not gonna flush these healthy little guys. I can get the college to take quite a few for their tanks, but I'd still have too many for myself left, and I've already given away all I can to my friends.... I wish i could keep them all, but there's only so many square feet in my apartment and so much money in the ol' bank account. I'll try and get some pictures of the parents and fry to post asap. I'd appreciate any advice you can give me on this.
Tanks!
Cichlid clearence
Moderator: Pam Chin
Hi waterlynch,
What to do with excessive fry is always a tough one. Especially when you have saturated your area. The stores typically will give you 1/3 of what they can sell the fish for, while they don't like to pay cash, they will usually give you store credit. If your lfs won't deal with you, then the only alternatives are to drive further. Also try to find a club, you can usually list your fish in their pubs, or you can take them to the auctions. Shipping is an alternative but it is a lot of work for little return. Another avenue is a local wholesaler, he will give you less then the stores will but usually they have no problem taking all of them. So do a little investigating in your area, there is probably a local wholesaler that is not too far.
Developing a relationship with a wholesaler can work both ways, If you bring them your extra fry, they will pay you , or you can trade, and they usually have access to a lot of different stuff. While it is difficult to make money selling fish unless you are really breeding on a large scale. It can open doors for you, and allow you to meet other breeders, as well as access to fish at very cheap prices.
Also hang out on web sites that cater to your fish tastes. If you are into kribs, you should be hanging out on a couple of these sites, where you meet people who can appreciate what you are working with, and enable you to meet and trade with others.
http://www.apistogramma.com
http://www.thekrib.com
What to do with excessive fry is always a tough one. Especially when you have saturated your area. The stores typically will give you 1/3 of what they can sell the fish for, while they don't like to pay cash, they will usually give you store credit. If your lfs won't deal with you, then the only alternatives are to drive further. Also try to find a club, you can usually list your fish in their pubs, or you can take them to the auctions. Shipping is an alternative but it is a lot of work for little return. Another avenue is a local wholesaler, he will give you less then the stores will but usually they have no problem taking all of them. So do a little investigating in your area, there is probably a local wholesaler that is not too far.
Developing a relationship with a wholesaler can work both ways, If you bring them your extra fry, they will pay you , or you can trade, and they usually have access to a lot of different stuff. While it is difficult to make money selling fish unless you are really breeding on a large scale. It can open doors for you, and allow you to meet other breeders, as well as access to fish at very cheap prices.
Also hang out on web sites that cater to your fish tastes. If you are into kribs, you should be hanging out on a couple of these sites, where you meet people who can appreciate what you are working with, and enable you to meet and trade with others.
http://www.apistogramma.com
http://www.thekrib.com