I can see how certain species would be costly, some areas are quite remote, and to get there isn't cheap.
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Here in Panama, an average collecting trip for me alone, might run about $200 per day, (and that doesn't mean I'll get something I really want), and that cost depends on if I can make the last ferry home. If I can't make it, add a hotel stay, and a few extra meals.
The average cost for me, is mostly be transportation, and maybe some local fishing fees. The Darien is controlled by the indigenous people, who determine the cost (where some of my most wanted species are). Having an experienced driver who can translate helps, and might also add a little extra, and this is just getting fish to my house. Permits and "fees" to get them out the the country may really get expensive.
I have given out photos of fish I'm trying to get to some local people I know, and they have twice, brought me some, that cost might only be half. They call if they get some, and I still need to take a ferry to the mainland, to get the buckets full.
The buckets above and below, held Andinoacara, a goby, a couple tetras, a Plecostomus, and some freshwater shrimp. To the locals, most small cichlids are Chogorros, no matter what species they are.
.
Here in Panama, an average collecting trip for me alone, might run about $200 per day, (and that doesn't mean I'll get something I really want), and that cost depends on if I can make the last ferry home. If I can't make it, add a hotel stay, and a few extra meals.
The average cost for me, is mostly be transportation, and maybe some local fishing fees. The Darien is controlled by the indigenous people, who determine the cost (where some of my most wanted species are). Having an experienced driver who can translate helps, and might also add a little extra, and this is just getting fish to my house. Permits and "fees" to get them out the the country may really get expensive.
I have given out photos of fish I'm trying to get to some local people I know, and they have twice, brought me some, that cost might only be half. They call if they get some, and I still need to take a ferry to the mainland, to get the buckets full.
The buckets above and below, held Andinoacara, a goby, a couple tetras, a Plecostomus, and some freshwater shrimp. To the locals, most small cichlids are Chogorros, no matter what species they are.
