why do hybrids cost so much?

[MrBi]

Because most of them were imported from Asian countries. So the prices's high high high

 

[Andrewtfw]

Typical LFS just see the word "flowerhorn" and think $$$$, regardless of quality. They'll charge 70 dollars for a 4" classic ZZ with no pearls or head, they have no clue. I can understand why you'd be vexed as to why they're so expensive, I am too. LFS grade flowerhorns should be the same price as any other CA cichlid, in my opinion (I'm sure others agree). They're mostly expensive because of greed. People want money. They see masterpieces selling for high dollar and think their low grade fish can fetch a similar amount because they don't understand the hobby. It's not long before the going rate for a 1.5" fry is 15 bucks like it is here in Minnesota.

It is not just the fish stores that do this. The suppliers to the fish stores sell FHs at outragous prices in the first place. One of my suppliers sells 2.5" SRT at $90! To buy that, pay for heat packs and shipping and then sell it to a customer, I need to double the cost. This is why I don't get them in the store unless a customer special orders them.