How long does it take cacotoides fry to be able to be sold

[Andreas]

How long does it take cacotoides fry to be a sellable size.
And if I want a pair sould I buy like 4 juveniles and let them pair off.
Btw sorry for so many questions.

 

[Mike Wise]

When apistos are salable size depends on many factors, but the primary one is who wants them and are they willing to buy small, unsexed fish (like me). Most hobbyists want fish that are mature enough to be sexable and show some adult features (color, fin shape, etc.). Most apistos take 6+ months before they are mature enough to show such feature. If, however, you are willing to put time into increased feeding, larger grow-out tanks (space/fry), and maintenance (water changes, etc.), then for cacatuoides I've heard people claim they can be salable at 90 - 100 days. All this extra work = extra $, so you have to decide if it's worth your while.

Me? I would buy as many juveniles/young adults from a trusted breeder as I could afford to buy and properly maintain. Then pick the best to breed when they fully matured and move (sell/trade) extras. For me, apisto breeding is more of a marathon and not a sprint. This is why most domestic apistos are produced by hobbyist/breeders and not by commercial fish farms.