Why I Bring Zebra Plecos to Fish Weekends

[TwoTankAmin]

This past weekend was the last time I will be either a vendor or room seller at a fish event. I am simply too old to do what this requires. However, this past weekend at the NEC reminded me once again why I love bringing 5 or 6 zebras to these event. Most of the members here are fairly well versed in various types of cats. After all, this is PlanetCatfish.

In all the years I have brought zebras, they have only sold at one event. Usually, I make a sale after the event. But the real joy from bringing zebras is how many people there have never seen a live zebra in person. There is a regular series of requests over the weekend from folks asking if they can take a picture, the answer is always yes.

There are plenty of interesting and some rare species at the events, but the zebras seem to interest everyone who comes by my tables. I really enjoy being able to share these fish in this way. It serves to remind me of how lucky I have been to keep and to work with these plecos. Watching the faces of folks who are seeing a live zebra for the first time always makes me smile. I think I will miss that the most having done my last event as anything more than an attendee. It also reminds me that what I take for granted is still something special to many in the hobby.

I managed to come home with 10 high fin paleatus, a few black neons, which did not completely sell out, and three CPDs to add to those already in my 5.5 gal tank. I also was offered three lovely gold nuggets for a great price, but I have no place to keep these guys and had to decline.

[bekateen]

Thanks TTA. Interesting perspective.

For what it's worth, even if you are only an attendee, I hope to meet you at a fish convention one day.

Cheers, Eric

[Andrewjw]

Agree whole-heartedly!! Sharing knowledge, generating enthusiasm, stoking the future generations of hobbyists...all are more satisfying than making a buck, or losing a few.
Andy