Well, I've decided. JACKOSCAR, appreciate the feedback. My aquarium dealer arranged to bring in two Flowerhorns tonight for me to check out. While we were waiting for them to arrive, he took me down some back alleys to the fish shops that only the locals know about. We ended up at a little mom and pop place that had some of the most amazing specimens I've seen in any shop.
No pix today, but they've agreed to let me take some shots when I next bring my camera. Snakeheads, a huge batch of Frontosas in a big tank, all kinds of monster catfish...
... and the most responsive fish I've ever seen. A big red Flowerhorn with a massive bump on his head that reacted to my fingers like a dog to a bone. I spent a good 10 minutes interacting with that beast.
Unfortunately, the old couple wanted a thousand bucks for him
. I could tell by their tone, though, that they weren't really interested in parting with him. My dealer said he could probably shave a few hundred bucks off, but gee, I've bought cars for less cash.
Anyway, we got back to my dealer's shop and the Flowerhorns arrived. A pretty neat red-headed (brownish body) one with wicked flowing fins that was about 8-9" or so. $100. And then, a goregous albino (yellow, actually) with streaks of red around his head. Round 11" or so. $200. Damned muscley and brimming with mojo.
Of course he was mad stressed there in a bag. They dumped him in a tank with a couple of crayfish in it. After a few minutes, he had scooped a crayfish into his mouth and then spit it out intact. Did it a few times more. Seemed to be just toying with it. Seemed more interested in my fingers.
Anyway, I was sold!
The 7" Green Terror and 8" Oscars in the surrounding tanks paled in comparison.
Short Version:
I've decided to get the Flowerhorn. My dealer's dropping him off tomorrow night. Will take the Oscar, JD, and Convict back to his shop. Sad to see 'em go, but...
So look forward to some cool pix of a wicked beast. And, just 'cause this site is so cool and I have a chance to give something back, I'll take a little excursion through the back alleys of the Korean fish emporiums on Saturday or Sunday and file a cool report with some pix of some awesome fish that they're keeping here in Korea.
I'll start a new thread to proclaim the arrival of my monster fish when all is well.
Thanks again for all the feedback!
Go monster!!
.....wish I could find hidden mom n pop stores full of awesome flowerhorn for cheap!
