Will Flame angels go down in price soon?

[stanleo]

I really want a flame angel. Frankly, no other fish will do. I have had a QT setup and maintained since 2020 BC (Before Covid). The problem is in 2020 AC, the price of this fish on the rare occasion that I can find one is double what it used to be so I have held off on getting one. Do you think the price will eventually go down, or should I just bite the bullet and spend the hundred bucks now?

 

[TerraFerma]

Might be a while. Flames come from somewhat remote Pacific Islands. With flights down because of no tourism, cargo space is at a premium and more expensive that before COVID.

 

[Redfoxtang]

Almost hard to say really. If willing to pay 100 now who’s to say others won’t pay 100 when stores get higher margins when they get them cheaper. People also thought prices would go down when some indo corals would ship out but I haven’t seen that at all.

 

[andrewkw]

While they are way more expensive now then in the past they haven't really reached unaffordable levels - for most that can afford the cost of keeping an appropriately sized tank. While it seems like Hawaiian fish collection may finally stabilize after years of uncertainty - I'm sure the anti aquarium people are already planning their next move. The biggest hurdle now is lack of cargo space. Airline traffic is not expected to return to normal until 2024. If we end up paying more for 4 years, how likely is a price drop then?

If it's a fish you want I say get it now. A lot can happen between now and when they may drop in price.

 

[MJ in Boise]

They are still $70-$75 here and in stock. $100 sounds steep. Cost is $40-$45. Just sounds like a few people trying to make an extra buck.

 

[ca1ore]

Maybe you can find a local reefer selling one - they are regularly available that way where I live. Usually somebody who failed to do their research and is horrified that their flame nips LOL.

I do think that prices on fish will come back down to pre-COVID levels ….. or at least closer. As somebody noted, shipping is the problem with flights down significantly. I don't thing most people realize how much freight travels on passenger flights.

 

[stanleo]

Maybe you can find a local reefer selling one - they are regularly available that way where I live. Usually somebody who failed to do their research and is horrified that their flame nips LOL.

I want one that nips! Some of my softies are out of control! lol

 

[stanleo]

Agreed they aren't ridiculously high but I am always hesitant about spending that much on a fish. My tank is stable and I have learned a lot but I am not 100% confident in my husbandry skills yet.

 

[uhgster1]

I want one that nips! Some of my softies are out of control! lol

They won’t nip softies, they have more refined pallets . If they go for coral they go for LPS or SPS. I’ve had one for a couple of years now and thankfully it hasn’t gone coral psycho on me, yet.

 

[Thaxxx]

Maybe you can find a local reefer selling one - they are regularly available that way where I live. Usually somebody who failed to do their research and is horrified that their flame nips LOL.

I do think that prices on fish will come back down to pre-COVID levels ….. or at least closer. As somebody noted, shipping is the problem with flights down significantly. I don't thing most people realize how much freight travels on passenger flights.

I just hope sellers don't chose to keep the prices up and pocket the extra profit if we are willing to pay.

 

[Arabyps]

TSMaquatics has them for pre-order (soon to be released) for $89.99 Their fish have been in quarantine for 30+ days before they release for sale, medicated and disease free. I purchased many fish from them... never any issues. Just go right into the DT after acclimation. Fish that have been professionally quarantined is the only way to go IMO.

Flame Angelfish (Centropyge loricula)

Buy Flame Angelfish from TSM Aquatics. Shop Saltwater Fish and Aquarium Supplies at TSM Aquatics in Sewell, NJ and get the best price and selection on Flame Angelfish.

tsmaquatics.com

 

[GlassMunky]

TSMaquatics has them for now for $89.99 Their fish have been in quarantine for 30+ days before they release for sale, medicated and disease free. I purchased many fish from them... never any issues. Just go right into the DT after acclimation. Fish that have been professionally quarantined is the only way to go IMO.

Flame Angelfish (Centropyge loricula)

Buy Flame Angelfish from TSM Aquatics. Shop Saltwater Fish and Aquarium Supplies at TSM Aquatics in Sewell, NJ and get the best price and selection on Flame Angelfish.

tsmaquatics.com

I was there on Saturday and the saw the flame angels myself. They were healthy and active.

 

[Arabyps]

I was there on Saturday and the saw the flame angels myself. They were healthy and active.

You are lucky. They are a bit far for me to drop-in LOL. Their customer service is outstanding. I send an email and they answer in less than 1 hour usually. Also, very responsive to special requests.

 

[Thaxxx]

TSMaquatics has them for pre-order (soon to be released) for $89.99 Their fish have been in quarantine for 30+ days before they release for sale, medicated and disease free. I purchased many fish from them... never any issues. Just go right into the DT after acclimation. Fish that have been professionally quarantined is the only way to go IMO.

Flame Angelfish (Centropyge loricula)

Buy Flame Angelfish from TSM Aquatics. Shop Saltwater Fish and Aquarium Supplies at TSM Aquatics in Sewell, NJ and get the best price and selection on Flame Angelfish.

tsmaquatics.com

I have a question about this.
Even if a fish leaves a facility disease free. Can the stress of shipping drop its immune system to be susceptible to disease? Should it be observed a week or so before going to the DT?

 

[Arabyps]

I have a question about this.
Even if a fish leaves a facility disease free. Can the stress of shipping drop its immune system to be susceptible to disease. Should it be observed a week or so before going to the DT?

I don't believe so because they have eradicated the disease organisms from the fish and water. Stress can cause disease to flare-up if the parasite is present and the fish is weakened from the stress. Having said that, if you have the disease parasite already in your tank, any stressed fish may be susceptible even if experiencing stress from aggression. Keep the disease out of the tank is the best lesson. You might ask TSM.

Why TSM?

TSM operates a large aquatic super store, with over 6,000 sq. ft of saltwater fish and coral. The facility was built to receive, quarantine, and house the highest quality marine life. Here at TSM we understand that the key to a successful aquarium begins with healthy livestock, and we pride...

tsmaquatics.com

 

[stanleo]

While they are way more expensive now then in the past they haven't really reached unaffordable levels - for most that can afford the cost of keeping an appropriately sized tank. While it seems like Hawaiian fish collection may finally stabilize after years of uncertainty - I'm sure the anti aquarium people are already planning their next move. The biggest hurdle now is lack of cargo space. Airline traffic is not expected to return to normal until 2024. If we end up paying more for 4 years, how likely is a price drop then?

If it's a fish you want I say get it now. A lot can happen between now and when they may drop in price.

Thank you. I took your advice and bit that 90$ bullet yesterday. I am happy!!!