Perhaps we could learn from the American Cichlid (Aquarium Fish) Association. In the late 60's and the 70's many of the Central American, South American, and species that didn't sell for very much began disappearing from the Hobby as new and Expensive forms from the Rift Lakes of Africa (Malawi and Tanganyika) became available. To counter these circumstances the club began encouraging Breeders to set aside aquarium space to maintain populations of species that otherwise might disappear. So while I Bred and sold Electric Blue Haplochromis (Adults were $500- $750/pair! Fry sold for $25! Remember-this was 1971! I bought a brand new Corolla for $1900 that year!)I had three 15 gallon aquariums with adult and babies from Pelvicachromis thomasi that I could sell for $0.50. I, for one, would rather have a good looking Red Milk than a multi-thousand dollar Python!!!! At the same time I don't begrudge the Python Breeder from focusing on the snake he/she loves best! But if we are motivated by what brings the most $$$, then we will lose forms that once were common. In fact that has already happened. Perhaps if we each made a commitment to maintain a low end favorite we could at least have those forms still available that are important to us. Just a suggestion--



Pat G-C

2 Chronicles 7:14

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