How long until we see Onyx from a major breeder?

[theclearblue]

With the current demand for onyx percs, I find it strange we haven't seen any large outfits selling tank-raised onyx. As far as I can tell, Rod seems to be the only reliable source for onyx right now - although it seems even he can't keep up with demand.

I'd imagine the major clownfish breeders in the US are aware of the demand for onyx, and may have already acquired pairs for breeding - how long until we see these hit the market?

 

[Jovreefer]

The problem with onyx is "most" that even produce onyx babies take up to 1.5 years to color up. With some not showing any signs of onyx color for a year. Some eventually get full onyx but large outfits like ORA will not want to hold onto a fish for a year before they can sell it as "onyx"

Rods clowns are great in the fact that they show onyx colors & have a good amount of black by 6 months.

I believe Frogg had some early onyx colors also from a wild caught pair from LA.

Embryoguy who bred one of Rods onyx to a wild female I believe had slower black development ... I have not seen him around in forever for updates on those cute little babies though.

 

[traveller7]

Gold stripe maroons take a year or so to show gold, but do we find any shortage of them in the supply chain? No.

Demand for Onyx may appear to be large based on our small view into the to nationwide market, but "nemo" still far out sells Onyx when they are in LFS tanks side by side.

At some price, a large outfit would hold fish for many years if it proved advantageous. The issue relates to yield, market pricing, market demand, etc.

Right now, the situation favors the smaller scale breeder with proven stock.

Same would be true for a few other species, Nigripes, Black Polymnus, etc.

 

[theclearblue]

Interesting points Scott.

I suppose the market is small for onyx. Retailers and wholesalers won't pay the same prices hobbyists will, so you may be right that the market isn't really appropriate for large-scale breeding.

 

[Jovreefer]

No, but a gold stripe maroon will get gold, where an onyx fry may or may not.

I do agree with all of travellers points, I just think "part" of the reason you wont see them is because of the iffy chance of getting onyx out of un-proven pairs & how long it will take just to find out of the fry will become onyx.

I know ORA use to breed some of the less comon clowns but stopped, I believe I read it was because of supply in demand also.

 

[theclearblue]

On the topic of limited market for onyx, what's the market like for "naked" clowns. I can't imagine that's equally large to onyx demand, yet ORA seems to have no qualms about breeding/marketing/selling naked clowns.

I'm inclined to think that they have onyx pairs that haven't yet spawned.

 

[adtravels]

long may they continue to be harder to come by, or take longer to colour up, it keeps the hobby excting.