Phillipeans vs Fiji fish

[brad]

I noticed live aquaria carries CB from Fiji for $10 more than from the Philippines. I know fish from the Philippines had a reputation 10 years back as being cheap but not living long due to cyanide and other poor collection practices, but I thought all that changed. If the price difference is due to rarity or coloration, I'd rather get the cheaper fish. I would pay more to support better collection practices. Does anyone know if and how the situation has changed in the Philippines?

 

[MrTuskfish]

Yes, cyanide is still used in some places.It may have changed, but it hasn't disappeared. The Philippines and Indonesia are countries made up of zillions of islands and collectors who are unknown to the buyer. I avoid fish from these countries (or just labeled "Indo-Pacific" ) whenever possible. Fish from these places are not only more likely to be collected improperly; they generally spend more time in local transport and holding facilities. Because of the unique island geography, its impossible for authorities to enforce collection laws and buyers to know the history of the fish they're buying. Fish from Fiji are great, IMO & IME. Tahiti, Hawaii, Christmas Island, and many other sites are well worth a few extra bucks, IMO & IME. Much of the mis-handling will not show up within a 2 week warranty period.

 

[bonomo53]

Not sure about the cyanide but from working at a lfs and getting shipments from both places Philippines defiantly comes in rougher. The fish come in bright blue water which is from some chemical they put in the bags i think its copper but not 100%.

 

[MrTuskfish]

Not sure about the cyanide but from working at a lfs and getting shipments from both places Philippines defiantly comes in rougher. The fish come in bright blue water which is from some chemical they put in the bags i think its copper but not 100%.

Aren't the fish re-bagged after inspection at the wholesaler? Most fish that LFS get are not sent directly from the source to the store. Many wholesalers, trans-shippers, collectors, and LFS routinely use a low dose of copper; blue would suggest that's what it is. The copper isn't dangerous to the fish, but can hide velvet.

FWIW: I think the fish's origin is far more important than our forum seems to reflect. I'm quite sure its responsible for many "mystery" deaths during the 1st month or so. Could just be my fish paranoia too.

 

[bonomo53]

These particular shipments are direct from Philippines and yes stores use copper but not enough to turn the water blue. Also think about how hard it is to catch certain fast swimming fish like wrasses i feel like they defiantly have to use some sort of chemical to catch them no matter where they are from.

 

[MrTuskfish]

These particular shipments are direct from Philippines and yes stores use copper but not enough to turn the water blue. Also think about how hard it is to catch certain fast swimming fish like wrasses i feel like they defiantly have to use some sort of chemical to catch them no matter where they are from.

Good divers with proper techniques and equipment do not need chemicals.

 

[Dmorty217]

The Philippines still very much uses cyanide to collect fish, hence why you shouldn't purchase fish from the info-pacific as MrTuskfish mentioned

 

[Dmorty217]

Not sure about the cyanide but from working at a lfs and getting shipments from both places Philippines defiantly comes in rougher. The fish come in bright blue water which is from some chemical they put in the bags i think its copper but not 100%.

 

[coral_lagoon]

These particular shipments are direct from Philippines and yes stores use copper but not enough to turn the water blue. Also think about how hard it is to catch certain fast swimming fish like wrasses i feel like they defiantly have to use some sort of chemical to catch them no matter where they are from.

It's actually not hard to catch fish. As demonstrated in these videos..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVrKrYkHfXc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eel5DCK_GuE

 

[bonomo53]

wow nice videos didnt think it would be that easy

 

[Rea17]

If they are shipping fish in enough copper to turn the water blue, I would think it would be at very toxic levels. Methylene blue would make more sense to me, as it is a stress reducer and small amounts will turn the water quite blue.

I have seen those videos of hand collecting before, the techniques they use are very interesting. I would pay double or triple for fish that were collected using those methods.

 

[Rea17]

I just looked at my Methylene Blue bottle... first line says "...to aid in detoxification of fishes suffering from nitrite or cyanide poisoning..."

Mystery solved.

 

[MrTuskfish]

If they are shipping fish in enough copper to turn the water blue, I would think it would be at very toxic levels. Methylene blue would make more sense to me, as it is a stress reducer and small amounts will turn the water quite blue.

I have seen those videos of hand collecting before, the techniques they use are very interesting. I would pay double or triple for fish that were collected using those methods.

Yeah you're right. , I had 4 teenagers in the house and juggling three things at once....I mispoke. Could be some meth blue or a stresscoat-like product.

 

[Rutrag]

I'm reasonably sure it's methylene blue turning the water blue. I'm not sure how much good it does in saltwater, but in freshwater, it's a common all-around prophylactic. It's particularly good for true fungus, but often also used for ecto-parasites as well.