Caribe vs RBP and a what size to start with

[marxxx]

Hey all,

I have a couple questions pertaining to caribe, are caribe worth the extra money to purchase over RBP's? I can rpb's cheap locally (about $7 for 2"+ fish) vs $35 for a similar size caribe. I guess I would consider them worth it if there were more active than RBP's (not so concerned about feeding aggression, the red bellies were active enough at feeding time).
I have kept rbp's and really did enjoy them. If the caribe would be more outgoing I could see spending the extra money on them (afterall they should live for many years).

Secondly, if I were to go with caribe, are they hardy enough when young to go with the 1" since they are significantly cheaper?

Let me hear your thoughts on the differences / value of getting caribe.

I appreciate everyone's time and feedback.

Thanks,
Mark

 

[ballinouttacntrol]

Go as small as possible and yes the caribe are worse extra money. Not necessarily more active but more aggressive. Personally I'd do a mix tank with both.

If cariba were available more often the price would drop

 

[jp80911]

all the cariba are wild caught vs rbp that can be easily captive bred, so there's a difference in supply which lead to difference in pricing. IMO that cariba are more aggressive and more outgoing compare to all the captive rbps I had had in the past. They are equally hardy if not hardier than rbp so if you can start at smaller size to save some money, go with the smaller one, they grow really fast.
and cariba is seasonal, babies are only available around summer time (starting May/June)

 

[ballinouttacntrol]

So what'd you decide?