Kevin,
If they were really lots of them in the ocean at the prices you guys are ready to pay, there will be more collected.
<C. Rhomboidalis is from deeper water in areas not usually collected from. On top of that they are commonly misidentified as C. Pylei (IME), and very few people know about them. They are not endangered where they come from, and are much like the Resplendent pygmy angel and Clarion angel, both common where they come from, infrequently imported, and commanding a very high price when they do show up. Although your heart's in the right place, you know nothing about this fish and are making some pretty large assumptions.>
If telling me to shut up is your best answer to my questions, that's pretty bad. I hoped you'll have more rational explanations. Really
<I don't know where the 'shut up' came from, but I do know that if you don't want to hear other members fish experience you certainly shouldn't come to the photography forum because you will likely be bombarded with it.>
Regarding the "jealousy and obsession"... far from me: I'm really looking forward to some Benggai Cardinals that I hope to breed someday.
<As my only rude comment in this thread, I would strongly reccomend that you learn how to spell the fish you are trying to breed before trying more complicated things.>
I was just trying to argue that this post goes against the entire idea of the RDO. As far as I see it, the main idea of RDO is to educate hobbyists, to teach them best husbandry techniques, to avoid killing fishes and other sea creatures needlessly. To me, craving these rare fishes is just as irresponsible as having fishes that eat only corals or shrimps that eat only sea stars (unless you grow your own feeder corals or sea stars).
<Again, you don't understand that in this hobby, 'rare' commonly has to do with how easy it is to get a certain critter imported. I nor the other members that search out 'rare' fish would be selfish enough to yank the few remaining individuals out of the ocean for viewing in our glass boxes.>
I admit that the fish looks good. However, there are TONS of fishes that look good. Look at a clown (really, any clown), or a fire goby. Really, lots of fishes look really good. I maintain my claim that what makes this fish look much better than others is the fact that is rare.
<Indeed you're right. I could have easily picked up a pair of yellow tail damsels and kept it under $10. Unfortunatly, people develop this thing called personal preference. I'm sick of seeing the same fish day in and day out since I've worked at an LFS for several years. Although the yellow tang is beautiful, I'd rather slit my wrists then let it take up a valuable 'slot' in my fish line-up since I see them CONSTANTLY. I've decided to search out some rare fish for my fish line-up, and have included the old stand-by's (hippo tang, flame angel, etc). This is not to say that I only like this fish because it's rare, I find it to be one of the most unique wrasses there is, with unmatchable color.>
Anyway, my point is made,
<Alas, you have made no point since your claim is unfounded.>
I'm ready for the next wave of "lame/sorry/jealous" and so on adjectives. Really, I don't mind. My main goal is to give convince you (mostly others really) to leave rare fish in the sea and not to give you some grief. If just one fish is left alone due to this thread, I'm fine with it.
<Haha, save the rhomboids!!! :roll: >
All the best,
Mihai
