Losing interest in Apistogrammas?

[genes]

I see guys letting go their apistogrammas. Losing interest again? Our force is dwindling again...

[valice]

Who's selling?

[Cacatuoides]

Saw threads by 2 brothers in marketplace, selling off their Ap. Cacatuoides "Orange Flash" and "Triple Red".....

Since there has been shortage of apistos in the market, I'm not surprised that people are slowly losing interest in this amazing species!!

[vinz]

I'm not updated on current prices, but I think a lot of people cannot see themselves forking out large sums for such small fishes, despite their value. I would say perhaps, they are considered 'luxury' pets, whereas many fishkeepers are not in that kind of income range... or their significant others may not 'approve'.

Many who can afford it, want large, long-lifed, fengshui fish that they can show-off.

Personally, I'm in the former catagory. I just cannot see myself spending that kind of money (In the high 10s and some in the 100s, a few years ago) on fishes that I may not have time to truly appreciate and care for. I can appreciate the strong personality of cichlids, hence my fondness for cheaper dwarf cichlids like the blue ram (natural form).

[sheng]

It is not about lost of interest, some people may not be able to cope with this hobby as one of the seller is going to serve National Service

Another thing is the difficultity to get a replacement when a female or male is dead. Difficult to form a pair again.

[Cacatuoides]

I agree with vincent and sheng....its mainly due to the difficulty of maintaining this species, nevertheless, I'm happy with my current collection

[valice]

Eman, your maintaining means keeping them alive?
Think if the correct species is chosen with respect to experience level, I do think that it is manageable...

Trying to expand my collection once I get the approval...

[wasabi8888]

It's also the availability of tanks and space... most people keep to breed but it's sometimes not possible to keep so many tanks of fries....

[benny]

The availbility of the fishes is also a major issue that has a impact on the interest level of the hobbyists. When all interaction is from the pictures on the internet, there isn't much one can do.

To be honest, you can practically count the number of retailers that stock this fishes in proper pairs. Not to mention beyond the usual beginners' assortment.

Cheers,

[yorky]

I see guys letting go their apistogrammas. Losing interest again? Our force is dwindling again...

Any good idea how to keep the flame alive?

[genes]

I'm not updated on current prices, but I think a lot of people cannot see themselves forking out large sums for such small fishes, despite their value. I would say perhaps, they are considered 'luxury' pets, whereas many fishkeepers are not in that kind of income range... or their significant others may not 'approve'.

Many who can afford it, want large, long-lifed, fengshui fish that they can show-off.

Personally, I'm in the former catagory. I just cannot see myself spending that kind of money (In the high 10s and some in the 100s, a few years ago) on fishes that I may not have time to truly appreciate and care for. I can appreciate the strong personality of cichlids, hence my fondness for cheaper dwarf cichlids like the blue ram (natural form).

Prices are still the same as before. From the 10s to the 100s for a good pair. But at least you are paying for a pair with that money.

Was told it used to be cheaper many years ago. But due to the lack of interest and thus the rarity of these beautiful cichilids here, prices rocketed.

[mickthefish]

hi lads
ive been reading this thread with interest, my personal thoughts on why people get fed up with this type of fish are.

1 as has been said, they can command an obscene price for the rarer apisto.
2 they can be quarrelsome and kill their mate
3 it takes an age for the fry to be of a size to pass on.

i breed fish to sustain me in a hobby that i love, apisto's i'm afraid i have to leave alone, they just are'nt viable for me to do.
i can breed tetras and get rid of the shoal in 3-4 months compared to apistos,
10-12 months to get ready for sale.

mick

[wks]

I think the pool of apisto keepers will always remain small for the following reasons:
a) They are not good community fish. I have seen bigger fish like discus being chased to a corner when a pair is in breeding mood.
b) The price is just not right for that kind of fish size. Singaporeans generally love to peg a value to the size of any fish they purchase. If they have to choose between a fancy goldfish and an adult apisto with both commanding the same price, the former is the obvious choice.
c) Unlike discus, there is no market for apistos even for the common ones like agassizii. Local breeders have an extremely hard time selling apisto fries and juvenile fish. Reason? Read reason (a).
d) They are perceived to be a difficult fish to keep, like discus 30 years ago.

[genes]

It's also the availability of tanks and space... most people keep to breed but it's sometimes not possible to keep so many tanks of fries....

Hi Jeffery

For my case, i try to maximise the number of fries i can hold in my fry tank. Once that is reached. I do not bother about the new spawns after that. Leave them in the spawning tank with their parents. We have no choice since we do not have the luxury of setting up fish rooms.

Seems like i am fighting a losing battle here..hahaha

[wasabi8888]

And probably in some cases, at least for mine... the partner in your life plays a major part in the decision for space....i am only allowed 2 tanks in my house....and i am talking about 1 2ft and 1 ft cube tank.. (not 2 6 ft tanks)!!

[genes]

I think the pool of apisto keepers will always remain small for the following reasons:
a) They are not good community fish. I have seen bigger fish like discus being chased to a corner when a pair is in breeding mood.

d) They are perceived to be a difficult fish to keep, like discus 30 years ago.

Given lots of hiding space to spawn, they can be good community fishes. I have kept Trifasciata, Cacatuoides as well as Wilhelmi pairs in my planted 3footer community tank before. All have spawned in the 3footer without being overly aggressive to the other tank mates. Females even herded the fries into the open. Killing of mates usually happens if they are being kept in a confined space without much hiding place. Breeding is just a bonus in keeping them, for people that do not have much interest in breeding them, i feel they are good enough to become community fishes.

Also, for guys who think that they are difficult to keep, you'll be amazed by how hardy they are. Although there are some species that might require more experience keepers. They do take in a variety of foods, although flakes and pellets are sometimes rejected. Well, least you do not need to get beef heart of some other bloody stuffs to feed them like the discus.

[Kross]

tank space, agressiveness, feeding care for adult and new spawns are reasons why i stop keeping these beautiful fishes...

cheers....

[Ah_ZhaN]

Hope the interests of apistogrammas will be back to those who quitted soon.

[donhitme]

1 seller of apistogrammas may result in many more new apistogrammas keepers, take me for example, I just joined the league! Yeah!

[benny]

I think the interest in these fishes will never truly die. Even during this dry season (in terms of supplies), some aquarists are resourceful enough to get them from overseas. There will always be some who will be attracted by their color and character (like donhitme). It's quite a niche segment in the diverse scope of the aquatic hobby and players come and go.

Cheers,