Saltwater livestock price

[Thomasflynn15]

Are livestock prices seasonal? I got into the hobby last summer and things were relatively affordable during that time period. As winter progressed I was checking prices and things skyrocketed. I think it might be because of shipping/collecting costs being higher in the winter but I may be wrong. Can a seasoned hobbiest explain the economics behind the hobby?

 

[fishguy242]

Hi , sorry no comment ,but really interested in what the community has to say...

 

[Porpoise Hork]

Some of it is seasonal as some wild caught species are not readily available certain times of the year. Other factors include bans on exporting wild caught as well as in some cases aqua cultured livestock can impact prices. With bans in places such as Hawaii prices for captive-bred fish from that area have skyrocketed since they are the only source for them now. Yellow tangs for example used to be as cheap as $20-40 (wild) and 60-100 (captive) now go for 200+ for captive bred.

 

[Reefing102]

I agree some of it seasonal, however I think a lot has to do with shipping and inflation. Everything has gotten more expensive. From that cardboard and foam box the fish is originally shipped in to labor for collection. I think it’s all mixed in

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

yup, everything has recently increased in price, again. Fishes that were $20-$30 before Christmas now cost $40-$50

10 years ago I remember buying a clam for $50. I bought a clam 1.5 yeas ago, it cost $150. Today I cant get a clam for less than $300 (in Canada)

But I dont think we can say its just our hobby, everything is getting crazy expensive now.

 

[Labridaedicted]

There may be a small amount of seasonality to it, but largely it's a product of just increased shipping rates as of late. Sometimes sellers also have to charge a little more in the winter though for packaging and such with the cold Temps.

The fact of it is that these fish mostly come from the tropics where water Temps are relatively stable and therefore the fish aren't migratory or transient. So there should be very little change related to seasonal availability.