Returning fish?

[JerryJ]

Hi everybody,
I’m new to African cichlids… In fact, so new that I don’t have any yet. It seems pretty clear to me that aggression is often (always?) a problem, and sometimes you have to remove a fish. Or maybe there’s a fish that outgrows your current aquarium. Also, of course to save money, you can buy unsexed fish, and then you have to remove the ones that are the sex that you don’t want. So that raises the question, what do you do with unwanted fish? Do local fish stores in the Washington area allow return of aggressive or too–big fish? Or is it necessary to go to an auction to get rid of them?

 

[Andrewtfw]

Most stores will not give credit/money for unwanted fish. Some won't accept returned fish at all. Auctions are a good way to rehome fish and possibly receive a little money. Marketplaces on fish club websites (depending on membership rules) are another way to achieve this. If you are not looking for money, there are many rehoming groups for fish on social media.

 

[JerryJ]

Thanks, Andrew… I see the Capital Cichlid Association has meetings once a month. Do all these meetings include auctions? The ability to rehome fish can make a big difference about whether I get into African cichlids at all.

 

[Andrewtfw]

The CCA has a mini auction following their monthly meetings. Be mindful of the fish you buy when considering putting them in auctions in the future. There may or may not be a demand for your fish when you are ready to rehome them.