Time of year to buy fish?

[Ibuild2586]

I have had a tank for a couple months now. I was looking to add more fish now that things are up and running. In looking online, it seems like fish are more expensive now. Is there a cheaper time of year to order fish?

[DanangMonkey]

Depends on the source country/ocean and the supply chain.... Cleaner Shrimp went up to $35 at the LFS last weekend !!

When i was in Viet Nam is was near impossible to scuba or snorkle in the South China Sea during the winter and Typhoon months. The currents really churn up sediment and reduce visibility to a few yards, I suppose the sames seasonal tidal currents effect those epmloyed in the fish harvesting trade.

[whodeydan76]

I used to work at a lfs (jacks aquarium and pets) and we sold cleaners for $29.99..I got them online for $15 shipped...with a guarantee!

[Ibuild2586]

I was just looking on Liveaquaria. It seems like all the Indonesia fish went up. Didn't know if there are good seasons to buy?

[DanangMonkey]

Indonesia is in the same general tidal current areas as Viet Nam, PI, and Malaysia...
Pour some fine sand into your tank and stir it up, thats what it looks like diving right now in 'most' SE asian seas.

I know some guys that run daily scuba & snorkle trips for the tourists in Central Viet Nam. They have the tourists sign a waiver before going out during winter/typhoon months so they understand that it will be low-vis and cant ask for thier money back

[borg]

$150 bucks for cleaners here

[Ibuild2586]

Didn't even think of the typhoon season. So when do the seas calm down in that area? I would imagine that the rules of supply and demand would lower the price when it is easier to catch the fish.

[Ostara]

Seems like everything is cheaper in the spring and summer around here. Powder blues and flame angels are up to $50 each here when both are usually $35 for the average size. Yellow tangs are up to $35, usually $29, and even anemones and inverts are more. The lists have been pretty sparse from what I've been hearing. One of my LFS's has mentioned that his supplier has apologized repeatedly for the slim pickings, citing frequent storms that prevent collection as the cause.

[borg]

yellow tang 1" your talking $125 blue "50 .... cheap pbt would be around 350

[DanangMonkey]

Tidal and reef waters usually clear in March, at least in Central Viet Nam... Most of the summer is clear... Typhoon season from the PI through the South China Sea runs Early September untill mid November.

i imagine there is a few weeks lag time between harvesting and delivery to the US. At least the speculator market is not involved like they are with the gasoline market.

[SweetTang]

yellow tang 1" your talking $125 blue "50 .... cheap pbt would be around 350

Are you serious?? That much for Tangs....and $150 for Cleaner Shrimp?

[borg]

Im totally serious .... its sucks ... on the other hand it stops people buying them in bulk