Ever wonder why damsels are so cheap?

Gresham · 05-28-2003, 11:35 PM

All damsels are shipped this way, most other wholesalers (US & abroad) require them (Philippines) to pack with even less water. Cyanide isn't used to collect any damsels, they are to hyper, and have to high of a metabolism(sp?). That also makes them a hard shipper. Add small amounts of bag water, long bag time, and you'll get spiralling damsel and then a dead damsel.

This damsel, and all 199 of his buddies made thru their flight, and acclimation at our shop. We lost a bunch of green chromis though, 15

, well a bunch by our standards

.

Wrassman · 05-29-2003, 01:39 AM

[glow=Blue, 2, 99%]No offense, Gresham, but I wouldn't have another damsel if you gave me a 1000 or so. I can't stand the nasty little things.

I had a nice, big tank full of nice big fish (that I had put a lot of $$$ in and a lot of time in) totally wiped out by three damsels. It just so happened that those three were carrying Vibrio damsela, and it makes me shudder to this day, watching my Queen Angel suffocate and die from that disgusting viral disease.

I won't even buy fish that have been housed with damsels for any length of time. I know it's not your fault, but seeing that damsel in a bag somehow brought out the need to vent.

Peace.....[/glow]

Matt Rogers · 05-29-2003, 07:12 AM

Boy that's not much water is it. Poor guy.

Craig Manoukian · 05-29-2003, 12:25 PM

[glow=red, 2, 100%]My 30 gallon is my damsel only or Brave Heart tank. It is acrushed coral with LR set up with some snails and crabs. Currently got a Green Chromis, Honey Damsel, and a blue damsel I'm too lazy to properly identify. They are a scream to watch terrorize each other! The ultimate game of chase![/glow]

karlas · 05-30-2003, 04:43 AM

if i was shipped in that much water id be pretty nasty to

i would consider keeping damsels but in a semi aggressive tank i wouldnt keep them with gobies and other calm or peaceful fish. or if i just had a tank with damsels they do have some pretty colors and definitly active

Gresham · 05-31-2003, 08:42 AM

Damsel bashers!!!

I only posted that pic to show shipping and to possiably spark some conversation. Went the wrong way though, you all just wanted to pick on damsels. FWIW, it don't like damsels per say, I do like chromis' though. My state fish is a damsel!!!! You knockin Cali?

Craig Manoukian · 05-31-2003, 09:54 AM

[quote author=Gresham link=board=Fish;num=1054200941;start=0#5 date=05/31/03 at 11:42:08]Damsel bashers!!![/quote]

[glow=red, 2, 100%]Hey, I've got a whole 30 gallon tank dedicated to them cute little buggers and three Chromis in my 80 gallon. No bashing here![/glow]

karlas · 05-31-2003, 11:15 AM

if thats how they are shipped its not fair to the fish. they should have more water. i can see where that could easily affect the survival rate on these guys. im just wondering are they the only fish that are shipped that way or do they do that to other species? i wasnt knocking them in my other post i do like them. they are a good hardy species that would work for a beginner especially for the price on these guys.

Wrassman · 05-31-2003, 01:44 PM

[glow=Brown, 1, 80%]Whoa, Gresham! I'm sure that most damsels are fine fish. I know Craig has a tank-full that he just loves. I had a horrible, very costly experience brought on by damsels and I am not going to purchase any more for myself. I didn't say that they were the most WORTHLESS fish God ever made!

Sorry if I hit a nerve big guy...[/glow]

Mauireefer · 05-31-2003, 07:00 PM

I worked wholesale, and I know damsels for us from the collector only cost around .47cents, but when you add in 1000 of them and various other species, you then see a $3500 shipping charge, But to average out the cost of everything, we sell the Damsels for a buck fifty and then the LFS usually double the price, therefore the usual 3 buck price tag. Just my 2 cents.

Jared