When you buy fish, do you prefer to buy larger specimens or smaller ones. I prefer smaller so I can grow them out myself. I think I learn more about the fish and their needs that way. I think experience is the best teacher.
Buying Larger Fish vs Smaller
- Thread starter Cichlid savage II
- Start date
As much as I get fed up with slow growth rates at times, nothing compares to getting a tiny fish and growing it into a monster. It also seems to get the fish more personable as it’s known you all its life. And it gives you a better idea of age to buy a juvenile rather than an adult.
I prefer to buy at a small size to enjoy the growth. Also agree with
Deadeye
statement about knowledge of age.
Deadeye
statement about knowledge of age.Personally makes me feel good when I have fish under my care live for yrs.
The only time I buy at a larger size is when they need to be added with larger fish. I really enjoy growing out fish.
I agree with all your points. It’s so fulfilling to watch them grow. I just re-homed a feeder goldfish we got at one inch. Grew to over a foot. Had to downsize my tank. Sad to see him go. Kinda like sending your kid off to college!
Agree that growing out is rewarding, I enjoy the process, but it kind of depends what your tank needs or what you're looking to do.
At the other end, when buying very small fish you don't always know what you're getting and some may turn out to be culls. Had this happen with my first batch of Geo sveni, despite being from a reputable source. Got them at 3/4 inch, they turned out mostly malformed and weak-- and just to be clear, I know what I'm doing, I've spawned and raised thousands of fry. A few months ago I got another batch from another source, 3 inch juveniles. Perfect. Came in healthy and sound, no defects, growing well, color and fins coming right along.
At the other end, when buying very small fish you don't always know what you're getting and some may turn out to be culls. Had this happen with my first batch of Geo sveni, despite being from a reputable source. Got them at 3/4 inch, they turned out mostly malformed and weak-- and just to be clear, I know what I'm doing, I've spawned and raised thousands of fry. A few months ago I got another batch from another source, 3 inch juveniles. Perfect. Came in healthy and sound, no defects, growing well, color and fins coming right along.
Something with low success in raising would be good to get large though. Like ebjds or other fish that are simply not hardy when young. Getting an adult you know it’s in good shape and will last longer.
Agree the fulfillment of growing them out is so worth it.
Who would have thunk that
Would turn into
I also agree that all that time spent together greatly increases that interaction between keeper and fish. With Casper all I have to do is simply move my arm a few inches, and he is instantly front and center of his tank to see whats going on
Who would have thunk that
Would turn into
I also agree that all that time spent together greatly increases that interaction between keeper and fish. With Casper all I have to do is simply move my arm a few inches, and he is instantly front and center of his tank to see whats going on
Hello everyone,
I personally like to obtain smaller specimens as I like to watch them grow up. That's part of the fun. Some times I like to buy groups of juvies and pick my favorite one. Starting with small fish you have time to build somewhat of a "bond" with them. I've never bought a full grown fish before. When I go to a LFS near me they usually only have tiny grow outs. All I have near me is two Petsmarts and a Mom and Pop store. The Mom and Pop store sometimes has larger fish but not very often. The Petsmarts near me doesn't even sell SA/CA cichlids of any size. I do like to start small though. Just my 2 cents.
I personally like to obtain smaller specimens as I like to watch them grow up. That's part of the fun. Some times I like to buy groups of juvies and pick my favorite one. Starting with small fish you have time to build somewhat of a "bond" with them. I've never bought a full grown fish before. When I go to a LFS near me they usually only have tiny grow outs. All I have near me is two Petsmarts and a Mom and Pop store. The Mom and Pop store sometimes has larger fish but not very often. The Petsmarts near me doesn't even sell SA/CA cichlids of any size. I do like to start small though. Just my 2 cents.