This is from Glaser by way of their new listing for Hoplisoma erhardti. I knew some of this but not all.
"There are many reasons why Hoplisoma ehrhardti is so rare in the trade. For one thing, there were generally no imports from southeastern Brazil for many years because, during the era of the positive export lists (until a few years ago, only species listed on these lists were allowed to be exported), some of the region’s most important commercial fish were simply overlooked. As a result, exporters were forced to shut down their operations. Ornamental fish catchers had to find other jobs. Now that negative export lists are in use (meaning only species whose export is expressly prohibited may not enter the trade), the infrastructure must first be painstakingly rebuilt. And even experienced ornamental fish catchers—who know how to handle and transport small fish gently—are few and far between. In addition, many collection sites have since been forgotten. And finally, the more drab-colored species of the region do not fall into the highest priority category."
"There are many reasons why Hoplisoma ehrhardti is so rare in the trade. For one thing, there were generally no imports from southeastern Brazil for many years because, during the era of the positive export lists (until a few years ago, only species listed on these lists were allowed to be exported), some of the region’s most important commercial fish were simply overlooked. As a result, exporters were forced to shut down their operations. Ornamental fish catchers had to find other jobs. Now that negative export lists are in use (meaning only species whose export is expressly prohibited may not enter the trade), the infrastructure must first be painstakingly rebuilt. And even experienced ornamental fish catchers—who know how to handle and transport small fish gently—are few and far between. In addition, many collection sites have since been forgotten. And finally, the more drab-colored species of the region do not fall into the highest priority category."
