On 18 Apr 2006 13:57:23 -0700, "Adam"
wrote:

Regional differences must make a huge impact as well (speaking to Mr.
Gardner's comment on home breeders). After doing some reading on Zebra
Plecos, it seems one could make a killing if they could get a viable
breeding pair. I checked out a different lfs last night that had some
great cats (fish) and zebra (plecos) came up. He claimed that he could
get them well under the $100 per fry that they seem to be going for on
fish auction web sites. I have also seen bushy/bristle the last few
times I have been shopping here in New England.

We've discussed previously the increasing number of bushy noses that
are arriving with health problems. My lfs told me that his supplier
informed him he's not going to be getting any for a while, until he
starts seeing healthier fish coming through. This particular supplier
services all of the fish sellers in this region, so for now, they are
not available in Northern New England - except those that the big box
stores may be bringing in from their own distributors. I wasn't sure
if I was asking for trade secrets when I asked him if there are
numerous suppliers or if all of his competitors get their fish from
the same place. His answer was same place. He said the biggies like
Petco have their own suppliers, several main distribution points set
up across the country, keeping their costs down by purchasing in mega
quantities and having them delivered to just a handful of distribution
centers. I enjoy picking my lfs' brain and trying to learn as much as
I can about the supply and distribution system; I'm interested in what
comes from where, Asian fish farms, Florida farms, and wild caught.
A reliable home breeder of any number of different species could pick
up some nice change linking up with a couple of mom and pop stores.

-- Mister Gardener