Wild caught vs. tank raised

[reddhawkk]

Just curious what are the pros and cons of both, which would you recommend to a beginner?

[...]

I recommend F1-2 or TR for a beginner. The potential for pathogens in wild fish is high, especially if they have not been effectively quarantined. If you don't know how to QT, recognize trouble, and treat promptly you can lose the whole group. Not all wild fish are good quality (color & shape) either.

With F1-2 & TR fish you can search for a breeder with quality fish so you know the genetics are good, and buy from them. Occassionally these F & TR generation fish can have disease but it is a lot less likely. It is easy to research the reputation of local breeders and suppliers also. There are numerous on this site, including our site owner Andrew, who breeds many variants of wild tropheus, and is able to ship nationwide.

Good quality tank raised fish are as good and sometimes better quality and healthier than their wild parents anyway.
HTH

[mikevxr]

Good question - depends on who and where your getting your young from and their quality.

These Tropheus Moori Ikola are tank breed and show really good colour.


These Tropheus Moori Bemba are F1 from Holland.

The tank bred Ikola are in my experience are very hardy (never had any bloat of disease in the 5 years I've kept them.

The F1 Bemba on the other hand are far more 'fragile' and quickly colour down if something is amiss in the tank (even if I'm a few days late doing a water change) . I've even had a case of bloat develop when moving them from one tank in the fishroom to another larger tank across the room. 

As for wild fish , I will try them in the future when funds permit but my fear is they behave similarly to my F1s.

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