Starcki Damsel - Rare or Seasonal?

[Darth_Tater]

I've been trying for a few months now to find a Starcki Damsel. Besides a couple on Diver's Den that always show up when I can't afford a Diver's Den order, I haven't seen any anywhere. Does anyone know - are these a seasonal fish or are they incredibly rare?

 

[ThRoewer]

I'm looking for some too, but can't find them. I don't think they are really rare. They may come from deeper zones or may live in areas where is not much collection going on. I haven't looked into the details yet.

 

[tc2007]

Last year there was a glut of those at my LFS. Now I see none.

 

[ThRoewer]

At the LFS level I would think the high price will keep them from ordering those, especially since most people don't like to add damsels and beginners rather go for the cheap damsels.

On the level of LA, BZ and other online stores I would rather assume an unsteady supply.

 

[olemiss reb]

Sign up for the in stock alert at BlueZoo. They're in stock every few months but they sell out insanely quick.

 

[joshbrookkate]

Bought mine a few months ago from Bluezoo Aquatics. Very happy with him! Good luck finding one soon.

 

[ThRoewer]

I have two males, one from BZ and one from DD, but would need some girls too. Getting the girls without getting more guys is the tricky part...

 

[GOSKN5]

I have been keeping my eye on DD for one too... wondering if I should move on haha

 

[Wills612]

Starcki Damsel - Rare or Seasonal?

I picked one up from live aquaria a few years ago, after searching the lfs for a month or two. I see them from time to time at all the lfs at the same time. If I remember correctly it was 2-3 months ago when I noticed a lot of my lfs had them in stock. Tiny ones too.

Don't give up the search. It's a great fish. Only gives a little grief to newcomers that are smaller and it's short lived.

 

[Conspic Dreamer]

My LFS just got one in today.

 

[o2manyfish]

I've been a regular at the wholesalers for decades. Starcki are pretty uncommon. Most damsels come in in huge quantities. Even the biggest wholesalers when they get Starckii are in very small numbers. And they arrive pretty inconsistently.

Having kept them Starckis for the past 5 years. They are a great addition when you get the chance to grab one.

Dave B

 

[Bret61081]

Seasonal...as most fish are. But it could also be that stores are scared to buy them as there is not a lot of demand for them as they are a higher priced damsel. As local stores to order you one....IVe been waiting for a sunburst Anthias for 2 months as they are out of season right now...

 

[Darth_Tater]

I don't ask any of the LFS to order fish for me. I've tried a few times and either I never hear anything because they can't get it and won't tell me or they order them in and don't tell me they arrived.

 

[o2manyfish]

Bret, Not sure where the 'seasons' for Sunburst Anthias came from. But they have been available from Fiji consistenly for the past several months. Not in large quantities, but available. I got a peek at a Fiji availability arriving this Sunday and Sunburst are on the list.

Perhaps try a different LFS who might have a different supplier.

Dave B

 

[Bret61081]

Bret, Not sure where the 'seasons' for Sunburst Anthias came from. But they have been available from Fiji consistenly for the past several months. Not in large quantities, but available. I got a peek at a Fiji availability arriving this Sunday and Sunburst are on the list.

Perhaps try a different LFS who might have a different supplier.

Dave B

I used to run a store and tranship direct Bali and the Philippians and they were always on list but that doesn't mean they always available! Im lucky to live in an area where there are several wholesalers in the area and 10 stores within 30 minutes...but no one has had them lately. I usually go to local stores every week or 2 and haven't seen starkis or sunburst in a while

 

[Angel101]

As an Australian, I can tell you that most of the one's I see are sourced from the Coral Sea. Not the more accessible GBR.

 

[ThRoewer]

As an Australian, I can tell you that most of the one's I see are sourced from the Coral Sea. Not the more accessible GBR.

Interesting! I got an Australian starcki through Blue Zoo and a Melanesian starcki through DD. The Melanesian is so far nicer in color.

 

[saf1]

Been after this fish for awhile. Never can be at the right place and time to pick a couple up. Still trying but may drop down to azures or neon Allen's which are also difficult it seems . Really like the starcki though. Really striking.

 

[ThRoewer]

I feel this is a fish worth breeding. It shouldn't be much more difficult than dottybacks.

 

[Moort82]

I've had mine for years now and they are pretty much a consistent thing at the wholesealers over here since then. We didn't see them that often before though.