Wild or Aquarium strains?

[Inka4040]

What are the differences between keeping wild caught and aquarium strain fish? Looking for Apistogramma sp. Tefe in the sales forum has made me wonder whether I should be going for the wilds or the German strains. (Don't want anyone to feel like they are endorsing one seller over another, so feel free to keep the discussion in terms of general wild vs. tank raised) I assume that the wilds will be somewhat more difficult to breed? Also scared that they will be somewhat hit or miss in terms of appearance. Any ideas about that?

 

[bigbird]

Hello Inka,

I find this is a personal issue for each hobbyist.
The wild Apistos are the true to nature form, wild, actual colour no cross straining. Depending on taste, some wild have stunning colours as well, simple but stunning. Wilds are also more of a challange, as they are used to their natural invironment, which one will try to mimic.
The aquarium strain, is raised and breed in aquariums and you do not know if the strain is 100% of that apisto. Colours can be created by cross straining and LFS sell Apistos under one name, yet they really are the other. You just do not know all the time what you get.
I keep both, as I find them enjoyable to watch and both to me are stunning.
enjoy and keep on smiling cheers jan-kurt

 

[Inka4040]

Thanks!! Based on that, I think I'd be better off going with the aquarium strains for now. I'd hate to pull a fish out of the wild just to find out I may not be able to properly care for it.

 

[bigbird]

Hello Inka,

Good move, start off with these, then make their habitate as close as Amazon as you can and see how you go. Once you are good at that , then maybe go into the wild and F1.
cheers Jan-kurt

 

[tleehm]

Another reason to go with the wild caught fish is for the bloodline.

You don't need to worry about in-breeding when the fish is wild caught.

We've found many poor quality apisto in Australia simply they've been too heavily in-bred.

 

[Inka4040]

I'm going to be honest with you, the most important thing for me is the fish's physical appearance. I'm afraid that theres a chance that I'd end up with some duds when dealing with wild fish, considering the variability in appearance they can exhibit. In terms of "wow factor" it seems that the German bred fish will be a safer bet. Any thoughts?

 

[tleehm]

Being German fish, I would incline to believe their bloodlines are reasonable good. Hence breeding amongst themselves won't have too much issue for probable a few more generations.

This is what I believe, I don't know how the German breeders choose their fish for breeding.

 

[bigbird]

it is correct to say that in Australia, most imports come from Germany, whether wild or bred. The fish also travel a long distance to reach our shores, that is why they are also expensive and most of the time not in the best shape. My advice is when a new shipment arrives, call the LFS first, look at the fish and set them aside for pick-up in 10-14days, then you can see if they have improved. I also believe you should always enquire where your fish comes from and stick to the best LFS that you know have a good reputation and that will also take back a sick fish. It is like anything, try to do your best homework before you buy. So far the 2 SYD LFS where I buy have always got good stock and they look after their fish. That is evident as soon as you step inside the stores. Most experienced breeders cannot allow themselves to inbreed to much, as it is such a competative market, so the breeders that I know of in Germany stick to the best linage that they have and avoid inbreeding.
cheers jan-kurt

 

[Inka4040]

Well unfortunately, the pet stores of New York City are not nearly as good as can be expected. I will be purchasing these agassiziis through the internet, so I won't be able to pick my own specimens. Thankfully, I will be sourcing these fish through one of this site's sponsors, so I'm not terribly worried.

 

[Shawnc]

Wild or Aquarium Strains

The real issue is that you need to get quality stock, whether it is wild or LFS. Some importers will routinely quarantine wild stock to make sure it is healthy and free of parasite before shipping it to dealers or hobbyists. They build that into the price and is better for the consumer but often is done without being said.

Not all species are as hardy as others and few know the percentage of loss between the time of collection to when they arrive at the LFS. Experienced breeders, be they professionals or hobbyists will take on less hardy, rarer species in order to keep them in the hobby.

Unless you are ready to take on the potential of loss and the extra efforts needed to raise wild species that may be more problematic it is usually easier to buy quality tank raised stock from a breeder or LFS.

 

[Inka4040]

Well I managed to breed wild baenschi in a community tank no less, so I must be doing something right (or quite lucky). This tank is actually going to be dedicated to the fish, and (a 20 gallon long) will be heavily planted with crypts and java moss. I will be furnishing quite a few caves and Cattapa terminalis leaves as well as driftwood and other hiding areas. The water comes out of my tap at pH 6.8, and I can mix it with de-ionized water if need be. The only other fish in the tank will be a small school of cardinal tetras.