Are they that rare? (Earles wrasse)

[Taipan]

Originally Posted by AdamsB

..... So I understand rarity, his quarantine process and 4 week guarantee. But are they the only factors Involved with the price here? Given that there are more beautiful wrasses out there, especially to the American market. http://www.nicewrasse.com/fawrcfa.html

In addition to the quarantine process at the lfs; there is also the procurement process at the wholesale and even trans shipper level that adds to the cost of the fish. I'm uncertain regarding this particular species of wrasse but as an example; wild deep sea varieties of fish have to be caught and slowly brought to the surface to prevent air bladder issues. Or at the very least - surgically bled (of air) by experienced hands. Not all the fish collected will survive the process.

Some fish....also just don't ship well and unfortunately won't make the trip. As an example; if an lfs orders 5 fish and 2 don't make it - the final cost may be adjusted accordingly for the survivors.

Distant locales will also add to the cost of the fish. Certain species will be endemic to one ore two very remote places. Perhaps there is also a short time window or season in which divers can attempt to catch the species. Not to mention a limited quantity of licenses/permits for specific species or geography.

It's also worth mentioning the employment standards and speciality of divers within a region. Are they being paid in Indonesian Rupiah, Philippine Peso, with no minimum wage standards? Or is the collector being paid in Australian Dollars with minimum standards? This will also affect price.

Finally; the price will be determined by what the market will tolerate. Everyone will have their preferences and opinions of what is considered beautiful or awesome. There will be fish and coral that cost much less and will be more attractive in your eyes as opposed to someone else's. The U.S. market and German market thirst for corals and fish have driven prices to some pretty lofty levels (im my opinion) as of late.