Dwarf pike cichlids seem to be kind of tough to come by and I know that my LFS is constantly asking if they can get them. Problem with pike cichlids is that many importers will not ship them through customs because they do not want to risk them being mistaken as snakeheads and losing an entire shipment. Therefore would be a great opportunity for captive breeding.
Profitable cichlids ?
- Thread starter JF Sirois
- Start date
I had a spawning pair of beani with lots of fry, and basically had to almost give the fry away to get rid of them.
I had them a $2 each at first, and had few takers.
The problem with this fish is, its a specialty item, and there will maybe be 2 or 3 people in a city of 1 million that want them.
I had the same thing happen with haitiensus, after shipping a few, I was giving away bags of 20 at local fish club meetings just to make space.
The only thing that would make money in my former area was angelfish, African peacocks, and a few other colorfull, medium sized Africans, or Tanganyikans, as far as cichlids go.
Try Ornatums. I see them come and I see them go off the market. Rarely see for sale online and never seen in lfs. They cost triple other cichlids.
An interesting story that I'd like to relate, is that of a 13 year old boy employed by my aquarium supplier to looks after tanks etc; who recently decided to breed discus.
The owner (and myself) were dubious at best, lamenting that he would buy two great quality adults to either end up with them dying, or the fry quickly dying off if he got that far. Even worse, was when I seen the 2.5 foot tank (30 gallons perhaps maximum), set up with two small sponges and overrun by algae. I was worried the impending disaster would ruin his enthusiasm for the hobby.
Fast forward a good few months, and he has a good few batches of fry growing in separate tanks; having just sold the entire first batch for a value close to £300 (455 dollars). You tell me that isn't a lot of money lol.
Given that I expect his other batches will sell well (he can also post), I wouldn't be surprised at regular takings of at least 210 dollars (to you guys) every month or so, which is more than enough to cover his costs.
The owner (and myself) were dubious at best, lamenting that he would buy two great quality adults to either end up with them dying, or the fry quickly dying off if he got that far. Even worse, was when I seen the 2.5 foot tank (30 gallons perhaps maximum), set up with two small sponges and overrun by algae. I was worried the impending disaster would ruin his enthusiasm for the hobby.
Fast forward a good few months, and he has a good few batches of fry growing in separate tanks; having just sold the entire first batch for a value close to £300 (455 dollars). You tell me that isn't a lot of money lol.
Given that I expect his other batches will sell well (he can also post), I wouldn't be surprised at regular takings of at least 210 dollars (to you guys) every month or so, which is more than enough to cover his costs.
I agree with convict360 discus are probably a safe bet, seem like they are constantly in demand and if you breed a nice fish you can get a good price for each and sell them individually rather than sell a ton of fry to a lfs and really get peanuts. I've bred a couple species and tried to shop them around a little but ive found that it really isn't worth it unless you want to sell individually. I just try to trade for food these days. selling fry to other hobbyists as food is a good idea too.
Yeah, the average brood as well numbers about 70 that you can rear up successfully, even if you cut that to 50, and sell them super cheap at like £2 (3 dollars), you're still gonna make a tidy profit.
I've seen really small discus go where I am, for £10 each.
Imo Festae are the best option and easy sale!! Only thing to remember is that pairing, breeding and raising Festae can be a challenge for most. But once you got it down it's very profitable. Either decision you choose, you must remember to try and make your fish known to some extent. For example; take nice pictures, post at least couple times a month give or take depending on how nice your pair is and how much attention you get for them. Then give them decent names so they can be known by, referred to and remembered as
Discus do seem to be the perennial classic. Nicaraguan aquarists are quite taken by them. Angelfish seem also to be very popular, but the money isn't as good. Africans, possibly. We've got a German guy who raises Princess of Burundis here in Jinotega. A few things don't work because they're aggressive and extremely prolific breeders. The advantage of discus is the babies bring in high dollar; they can be shipped; and they will work as a community tank fish in a tank of peaceful fish (SA tetras, bristle nosed plecos. The large aggressive cichlids, no matter how beautiful, aren't going to work well with a shoal of Cardinal Tetras and some hatchetfish. Those cichlids go to specialist cichlid people.
I agree with Rebecca on discuses. One thing about discuses, is that breeders are able to constantly able to bring new patterns and colors to the market, and even variations of old ones. So it is a good choice.
One thing to note, is that rare fish may not always garner interest. Many in the hobby tend to gravitate towards beautiful cichlids, such as those that are bright and colorful. Or have interesting patterns. Or interesting shaped. Some 'ugly' fish are beautiful in other regards, such as having a desirable temperament. But really, beauty in terms of color and all that is still a big selling factor. Keep that in mind when you choose what to breed.
One thing to note, is that rare fish may not always garner interest. Many in the hobby tend to gravitate towards beautiful cichlids, such as those that are bright and colorful. Or have interesting patterns. Or interesting shaped. Some 'ugly' fish are beautiful in other regards, such as having a desirable temperament. But really, beauty in terms of color and all that is still a big selling factor. Keep that in mind when you choose what to breed.
I'm gonna snap some pics of the angels my friend is breeding for you guys, they're called German Blue or something; they look spectacular
