Helfrichis are CHEAP!

[Xler8n]

So i went to go pick up my pair of helfrichi firefish today and i paid $60 each. I cant believe how much these fish have dropped in price. 3 weeks ago they were $75 each. Live Aquaria has them for $99. I remember when they were over $200 each! This is my second pair and for the first i paid $150 for both. Can anyone explain why they have dropped so much? People were saying the reason for them being so expensive was because they are found deep, from 40 - 90 meters. Anyone have any info on why the price could have dropped? I know they aren't breeding them and ive heard they are endemic to the marshall islands. Maybe they found them somewhere else? They are beautiful fish. Got a top on my tank so they dont jump. I put them in with the lights off so tomm ill have some pics posted up.

 

[RZ5T]

Not sure why the price has dropped, but I also noticed my LFS had them for sale for $45 ea. I've been debating on picking them up.

 

[lps1212]

Wow at 45 each that's a steal I wish my lfs had em for that low low price cheapiest I've seen em is 75 I believe I might get a pair I like em

 

[Madreef]

I'm guessing there's a new chain of supply that's opened up and that they are importing a lot of them. It used to be that you'd see them only once in a blue moon. Now they are in stock all over the place.

 

[Xler8n]

Yea. They dont seem exclusive anymore. Im sure the owner at my LFS would NEVER sell them that cheap because he kinda is. Anywho here are some pics i snapped today. I really love these fish. I want to learn more about their range, habitat, breeding etc. I would love to start a breeding program. One woman on marinebreeder.org has been doing just that and says the only success she has had is eggs. Then the dominant fish always kills the submissive. I will look more into it. The only thing is these fish are very shy and wouldnt do well with any fish that are remotely aggresive. I currently have them with a small yellow tang, ocellaris clown, and my BEAST of a coral beauty that ive had for over 3 years. She has survived 2 power outages with water temps under 60 degrees. I mean ice water. Everyother fish dies but her. Shes a soldier.

 

[jstuver]

Love these guys they are so pretty!

 

[ddiver]

yea i remember i paid $180 each for my first pair 4 years ago...$45 ridiculous cheap considering they cost almost that much wholesale....

 

[bluepit]

well their is a variant that comes from a different region, that will run you about 700-900 dollars a piece, they are a little different than the ones pictured above, because yours have yellow face will the variant has metallic purple face

 

[nixer]

well their is a variant that comes from a different region, that will run you about 700-900 dollars a piece, they are a little different than the ones pictured above, because yours have yellow face will the variant has metallic purple face

And you thought Helfrich’s firefish were rare

Cook Island Helfrich firefish shows up again in the Diver’s Den

price is abit off

 

[Xler8n]

Wow. That one looks awesome!! Way too expensive for me though. Ive never seen one like that. Thanks for the link. I still love mine.

 

[RUGDOG]

I have been watchin them and wondering myself.....I want a pair.