Responsibility.
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If a small group of folks worked cooperatively rays could remain in the hobby indefinitely (pure breeds). However, I've not heard of maintenance programs actually happening. Rays live for decades. The commitment is real. Individuals must network with others. Forums help. Clubs help. But what is necessary is life long cross-generational friendships.
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In my experience, none of the fish I maintain are the least bit popular. Breeding them is always costly and I no longer try to be profitable. I grow up the best quality I'm able, pick some for the next generation, and trade the rest to an LFS. But even from a maintenance perspective, my fish are not interesting. Rays are interesting and there's a small number of species. If any fish could be maintained rays should be it. But at what cost?
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An LFS here in Minnesota breeds rays in house. I do most of my business there. It's a 70 mile round trip. The owners breed pure and cross strains. I'd love to support their work... but my interest is with tetras.
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I believe that this is the level of commitment necessary to continue the hobby in general. It's a lot of work. It's a thankless task. I do my part. I support others to help them be profitable. LFS's.
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But really, I serve my own self interests. My focus is Hemiodidae. Mine is a lonely club. I've kept them, studied them, one day I'll study their fry, raise them up, share them...
I can't wait to show the world how... or help others beat me on the way.
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Merry Christmas.