The pearls of great value

[Matteus]

I just recently realized I haven’t really posted about these rays in a while.

I once read about a story of a merchant who found a pearl of great value. He sold everything he had in order to buy the pearl. That story hit home for me with these rays.

when I first got into rays a few years ago, I found out that there were albinos and I was super excited to get them until I found out how expensive they were. Then these last few years prices have been becoming more and more manageable.

I actually saw a post on here from a member who had a pair for sale much less expensive than I was expecting to see. I couldn’t sleep that night because I was so excited. I was racking my brain as to how I could make it work. The next day I messaged that person and they were not able to get them to Canada. So I went looking for a local source.

I went to my lfs that I figured could help me out, and before I could even say anything, my friend says hey did you see the albinos I just got in? My jaw dropped and i told him that was exactly what I was after.

I knew I had to get them since they were so close. As soon as I saw them, I put all of my other fish including my first few rays I had acquired up for sale.


These were the original pics that I chose out of a line up that was sent to me.

 

[Matteus]

I was so new to rays, I had no idea what to look for and I figured the top female had a cool odd looking pattern. Not realizing the pattern looked different because she was so skinny and malnourished.

When they arrived they blew my mind, because I just thought they were the coolest things ever. it seemed like they all ate, at first. But then I eventually realized the one female wasn’t eating at all. By that time it was getting a bit too late.

here is the thread showing how sick she got and her full recovery.

Her hips don’t lie

Ok so I have recently acquired a trio of albino pearls. I started them in a 2’x2’ foot print section cordoned off from the rest of my tank. The male is eating well and strong, even attacking bigger fish. He’s feisty and I like it(so far lol). The bigger female is looking really healthy and...

www.monsterfishkeepers.com

 

[Matteus]

After she was released I came across another dream ray that became a new shared love of mine. With that being said I needed to make some room and ended up selling the other female to make room/ and gain some funds toward the new crew

I ended up taking the current pair to stay with a friend until I was ready to move because I was out of space.

 

[Matteus]

After that they actually went to another friends place who ended up holding onto them and my other rays until I was ready to have all of them shipped out to my new place across the country.

 

[Matteus]

Now they are currently here with me and only a few months away from their second birthday, which seems to be the common timeline for them to be ready from my research.

 

[Matteus]

I’ve noticed him starting to bug her. She has had a few chew marks and minor chunks of her tail missing. I feel as if she may be a bit behind in her development than him because of her month or so being sick. So I separated them and I am currently power feeding both tanks. Hopefully if the fall they can meet again.

 

[Gpdriftwood]

Still drooling... nicely done sir.

 

[skillzizzo]

Nice write up, is a great story of the journey for them. Is the only regret i have on moving to Arizona from the fridged state of N.H were i am from is fresh water rays are a no go here.

 

[Matteus]

Update

the male is doing well. Almost fully rolled now.

the female seems to not be doing as well. She seems to have some of the spikes on her tail Enflamed. Not sure what happened there.


top are female and bottom are male

 

[Gpdriftwood]

They look great to me man. Hopefully the tail issue just heals up for u. Doesn't look irritated or anything...