I am in Puerto Rico on business and I took a couple of hours to tour the C-Quest facility in Salinas, PR. They do not do organized tours (they are a small operation) but were kind enough to show me around even though today was their shipping day and everyone was very busy.
They have an amazing operation. They raise at least 7 species of clowns, several species of goby, dottybacks and some other assorted species. Their fish looked amazing- healthy and beautiful. I was impressed by the quality of the livestock. Among their brood stock were some of the largest clownfish I have ever seen, and I would venture to guess that I saw many thousands of fish in various stages of development from eggs to larva to juveniles to adult fish. It was wonderful to see.
Although they did not share specific cost data with me (nor did I ask) I did get the impression that it is a difficult business to make profits in. Wild caught fish are less expensive for retailers to buy. When one of the employees mentioned some of the wholesale prices, I was amazed. I do not want to get into any debate as to why the markup is what it is in retail, because I understand the dynamics there, and do not doubt that it is reasonable. I will say, however that while C-Quest definitely has the facilities to attempt more difficult species, there is little profit incentive to try. The risk to reward ratio is so high, and they are so busy maintaining their current operation that it is difficult for them to attempt new species.
My point here is that we as hobbyists need to really push for captive propogated species, and to support efforts and research into finding ways of propogating more species. Push your LFSs and on-line retailers to buy captive bred fish. Ask for them specifically, and state that you would be willing to pay a little more for them. It will cost you less in the long run. I see no reason why we should be collecting anemonefish from the wild. They are easily propogated, and the captive bred fish are so much heartier. I was amazed at the high shipping survival rates that they mentioned.
I'll get off my soapbox now. Just thought I would share this cool experience with you all.
Ernie
They have an amazing operation. They raise at least 7 species of clowns, several species of goby, dottybacks and some other assorted species. Their fish looked amazing- healthy and beautiful. I was impressed by the quality of the livestock. Among their brood stock were some of the largest clownfish I have ever seen, and I would venture to guess that I saw many thousands of fish in various stages of development from eggs to larva to juveniles to adult fish. It was wonderful to see.
Although they did not share specific cost data with me (nor did I ask) I did get the impression that it is a difficult business to make profits in. Wild caught fish are less expensive for retailers to buy. When one of the employees mentioned some of the wholesale prices, I was amazed. I do not want to get into any debate as to why the markup is what it is in retail, because I understand the dynamics there, and do not doubt that it is reasonable. I will say, however that while C-Quest definitely has the facilities to attempt more difficult species, there is little profit incentive to try. The risk to reward ratio is so high, and they are so busy maintaining their current operation that it is difficult for them to attempt new species.
My point here is that we as hobbyists need to really push for captive propogated species, and to support efforts and research into finding ways of propogating more species. Push your LFSs and on-line retailers to buy captive bred fish. Ask for them specifically, and state that you would be willing to pay a little more for them. It will cost you less in the long run. I see no reason why we should be collecting anemonefish from the wild. They are easily propogated, and the captive bred fish are so much heartier. I was amazed at the high shipping survival rates that they mentioned.
I'll get off my soapbox now. Just thought I would share this cool experience with you all.
Ernie
