Tendencies of Fish Keepers

[guppymonkey]

I don't know if anyone else has noticed this but lately its been ticking me off a little bit. Everywhere I go, from pet stores to even forums online, people that keep expensive fish seem to look down on people that keep common fish. Its like "You only keep guppies? Oh, well I am a real hobbyist". I know that not everyone is like that but its still annoying. Just because they are common fish doesn't mean the people that keep them aren't dedicated and knowledgeable.

 

[FrankSlapperinni]

I've noticed that to
even though they are considered "beginner fish" and are cheap and common, my favorite fish is the platy . I just love the way they swim and interact, and they are so friendly. I would choose getting one of them over almost any other fish, expensive or rare.

 

[Cheese Specialist]

I know what you mean, it happens with me as well but with goldfish. People with orandas and ryukins etc seem to look down on me with my common goldfish

I can't be going with it! People think they are more serious or even better fishkeeps because of the faish they keep rather than how well they care for them.

I have never kept guppies but I think they are lovely to watch.

 

[snowyangel]

Good point, glad someone said it. My favorite fish is the male guppy, always has been and my little guy has survived through more things then some of my more expensive fish, so in my opinion that makes him priceless
I find the livebearers forum is pretty active with posts, so i dont think we're alone in the buying "less expensive fish" .

 

[Auratus]

Guppies here are 3 bucks. Not cheap compaired to some other fish. And most are so inbred they are really fragile and hard to keep alive. So if you can do it, good for you. The only thing that is weird to me is when someone says "I breed guppies" or I breed mollies. Like it's really that hard to do. Just add water.... Maybe if you know all the genetics and breed to get rare colors, that's cool but most don't.
If you don't like that attitude, NEVER go into the AOL fish chat. Those people are RUDE. They use the fact that they have had 2 years more experience then you against you. It's really rude. My uncle has kept fish longer then me but doesn't know jack, I think it's about the time you take to study the fish and it's habits and learn from experience, not just because you had a fish and threw it in a bowl.

 

[handsomeboy]

guppies r cool

dont diss them
theyre fish too B)

hb

 

[G_Sharky]

It doesn't matter what kinda fish cheap/expensive you have as long as you know how to keep them and take care of them properly that's what matters

 

[HeatherSweetness]

It doesn't matter what kinda fish cheap/expensive you have as long as you know how to keep them and take care of them properly that's what matters

I agree.

 

[Cheese Specialist]

Me too! Well said Sharky (hope you don't mind the nickname?!)!

 

[kmurph]

100% agreement with G-Sharky!! It is too bad people like that tend to forget that it was the platty/swordtail/guppy that got them going in the first place. I've know people who kept fish for 20-30 years and loved the "common" fish. And as far as cost goes, I have seen beautiful strains of guppies being sold for $9 to $12 a pair. It's all just a matter of preference. Myself, I don't keep those fish, but I won't belittle anyone who does.

 

[guppymonkey]

I personally wouldn't pay $12 for guppies but thats because I would rather try to breed good guppies myself. I love guppies because its like a lesson in genetics. I find it fun to try to figure out by trial and error the genetic tendencies of my guppies. I could easily find out by reading but I find it more entertaining to learn on my own.