Looking for Cacatiodes or other apisto proven pair, PLEASE!

[MacZ]

It's like comparing breeders of show dogs vs. puppy mills.

Of course Mike, but let's face it: almost all you can get out there is from mass production and many strains from basement breeders started out as fish from the normal mass trade. I don't know how you would estimate the numbers for North America, but in my experience here in Europe more than 80% are indeed bred beyond the healthy level.

 

[anewbie]

Of course Mike, but let's face it: almost all you can get out there is from mass production and many strains from basement breeders started out as fish from the normal mass trade. I don't know how you would estimate the numbers for North America, but in my experience here in Europe more than 80% are indeed bred beyond the healthy level.

Not disagreeing i would go further to say that nearly no basement breeder actually cull bad stock or are even aware that they should.

I

 

[MacZ]

I agree. Especially due to my "experience" on Fishlore I got the impression most of them consider multiplying fish a way of generating extra income. So only yield counts and success is only measured in numbers sold.

 

[Ben Bergman]

OKay, so what would you recommend, getting will caught, F1 Wild type species, two from different breeders, or just ask for pictures to make sure they are healthy fish?

 

[anewbie]

OKay, so what would you recommend, getting will caught, F1 Wild type species, two from different breeders, or just ask for pictures to make sure they are healthy fish?

I think yuo should experiment and learn a bit on domestic and then make your decision. wilds have more stringent requirements as far as care as they have not adapted to harsher environment/harder water that most fish keepers have.

For example do you know the gh/kh/ec of the water you use ?

 

[Ben Bergman]

My water is very hard, but I have access to plenty of RO, which is what I use for soft water needs.
I do think it is probably a good Idea to go with domestic strains for some more experience before I try the real gems, the wild caughts. I will probably get the young pair to breed but not breed a second generation unless I get some more genetic diversity. Thank you for your help!