Endangered Cichlids

[Melody]

I am very big on the promotion of captive breeding programs for threatened or endangered fish. While captivity may not be ideal, it is better than only having pictures of these fish to show our Grandchildren how we once again wiped a creature from the face of the earth.

I am looking into species that I don't presently keep, in the hopes that we can establish Canadian populations. Its often difficult for us to obtain anything unusual, yet its possible across the border.

So I've been doing some research on what is threatened and what is available and I figured you Cichlid buffs might have a better handle on that. If you could share what you know, that'd rock.

For reference, there is a list and pic's of endangered Cichlids here (http://www.amnh.org/nationalcenter/Endangered/cichlids.html).

If I can get my hands on any of these fish, would anyone be interested in maintaining a captive population? I can't keep them - I don't have room for aggressives and frankly, I don't have the expertise. I would like to find a few dedicated & knowledgable Cichlid enthusiasts whom I can pass them over to. The cost of them will be yours, but I don't profit from them so it shouldn't be too bad.

Thanks!

[fishykisses]

i would LOVE to keep some of those!!!
I have a feeling they'll be really pricey though...no?

[BC_Kron]

I keep Xystichromis Phytophagus already. Once I build them a new, Larger tank, I'd consider diversifying, and adding another species or two. Perhaps Haplochromis (Prognathochromis) perrieri, and Haplochromis (Paralabidochromis) chilotes


cheers;Bill

[Melody]

I haven't a clue how much they'd be, Ms. Fishykisses, I've just started researching what is endangered and what may be available to hobbyists. Since I'm not into Cichlids I don't know what is rare in the hobby and what isn't. Endangered in the wild doesn't necessarily mean that they're rare in captivity, and rarity dictates price. What is rarely seen in Canada isn't necessarily rare in the States, so that can make a difference too. Then there's volume purchasing - if enough people want a species, I can probably get a deal.

Shipping costs are distributed amongst the prices of all the fish in the shipment. Ideally I'd be bringing them in with my Livebearer shipments. The prices for endangered/threatened fish cover my expenses and that's it. Otherwise, they'd easily go for twice as much as I throw on them because they can't be found in Canada. As I've mentioned elsewhere, I don't want this cause to only be in the hands of the rich. I'll get a better idea in the future. I want to make sure I have enough people interested in maintaining them first.

Bill, thanks for the species names. I'll stay in touch with you on it. If I can do it, it will be over the course of the Summer & Fall as that's when I do the majority of my shipping.

I know that a lot of my contacts also breed Cichlids, so I'm hoping it can all go hand in hand. I would have to have them picked up right away though, because I couldn't accomodate them. I can quarantine Goodeids in a 5G tank - this would not work for meany fishies. :wideeyed:

[BC_Kron]

Mel, if the need arose, We could always house the little monsters for a while, If somebody needed extra time for pickup, etc.


cheers;Bill

[Melody]

I would be much more comfortable having them in experienced hands, so we just might be able to arrange something there, thanks!

Apparently there are both species-specific and general clubs who have species preservation programs for some Cichlids, so I'll look into that too.

I would like to see more species preservation programs in Canadian fish clubs actually. It just doesn't seem to be done here, to my knowledge.:no:

[WaterPond]

There is already a good number of people in my aquarium society breeding
Haplochromis (Astatotilapia) nyrerei. Lots for sale at the auction i was at yesterday too, went for cheap, like 3 dollars for five. If anyone is interested i can get you some Haplochromis (Astatotilapia) nyrerei in september at my aquarium society's next auction. I will pay for the fish if you pay for the shipping to you.

I would love to keep some endangered cichlids, but i don't have the tank space.

[Melody]

That's awesome! Thanks! Its that kind of attitude that will make it all work. Its also good to know what's here already so we bring in what's not. Maybe we could work out a trade for something you are able to accomodate. The threatened Livebearers are often suitable for a community tank, for example. Then you could distribute them in your area of the country when they breed.

I have a dream... :;): . There is no reason why Canada can't be one of the top fish preservationist countries, we just have to get the fish here. Our hobbyists certainly have the expertise and dedication to pull it off.

[fishykisses]

I'd be totally into that WaterPond! How exciting!

Mel i would possibly be interested in Phytophagus, Enterochromis and esculentus as well.

[Melody]

I'll see what I can find out about what's here and if there are any in the States.

Everyone should also remember that the fish that aren't quite as striking, need us more than those that are. Its easy to find breeders for the most attractive fish so they're usually better established in captivity.:yes:

[BC_Kron]

If anyones into Phytophagus, I keep and breed them.

[fishykisses]

i'm interested BC Kron...

Mel - if i had more room i'd take in the less attractive ones, but i my tank is half full of not so attractive mutts i rescued from a pet store on boxing day. I'm quite excited to get a few good looking ones in there.