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Hi, is there anyone from Australia that has a Zebra plec or knows where to get them from?


They are banned from being imported here, but there is a small number of breeders so buying from them is ok i think.

I don't know of any very reputable breeders in Aus, however, I am quite sure there are.

Keep in mind that they are unbelievably difficult to find and even moreso to purchase. I would not be remotely surprised if the price cruised far over 1000 aussie bucks.

Hi, yeah your probably right about the price, i just found someone living quite close to me surpisingly (i live in a fairly small town) that says he has some, he is a breeder of rare plecs and catfish, im tring to contact him for some prices and lists of fish he has for sale.

Just got lucky on another forum, from the interest im sure he wont have much trouble selling them.

Ive seen pics from a breeder in New Zealand that is churning them out, apparenlty they are quite easy to breed.

It sounds like it isn't so much that they're easy to breed, but that so many people are making concentrated efforts to breed them. These fish are wildly popular and expensive as you know, and you can make a small fortune with a successful breeding program. Basically, there are lots of folks out there that want to make a small fortune.

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And when he gets to Heaven, to Saint Peter he will tell: "One more Marine reporting, Sir! I've served my time in Hell."

Yeah thats true, if im able to get a pair i may breed them, but thats not really the reason id like one, more for their beauty/apperance, would make a very good centre piece for my community tank.

Id be surprised if they would sell them in pairs though, kinda losing money by doing so. im going to talk to my LFS guy about it some more, the legalities bother me a bit, though a good example is electric yellows, were allowed now banned, but there is always a redily availble suppy in most shops.

only diff, im not sure that Zebra plecs were ever allowed in Aust, so any here would be suspect.

$1200 last time I saw them..

Dave is right. Also many wont be selling any rare fish lately because of the "RARE" fish crack down in Aus. Very big events lately for Aus...so far I know over 30 people on the black list and lots are still wanted. All the people dealling with rare plecs etc. A lfs got busted lately for rare plecs...lost over 30k worth of fish when the Aus customs raided his fish store and house. Better watch out who you get your fish from etc.

But Zebras are around $700 for babies. Sydney has stacks around but during the crackdown I think the prices will increase dramatically.

Goodluck mate.

A pair will not likely breed for you--try a colony of five . That being said, there are much better looking hypancistrus out there that are easier to breed, and are a good way's cheaper than 1200 bucks.

Yeh they are around, i also have seen one for $1200. I love plecs but i cant afford exotic ones

Yea, im not really thinking about breeding them.

My understanding is that it is not illegal to sell or own them, you just cant import them. if they are bred here then it is ok, or so ive been told. like electric yellows.

A guy is advertising rare plecs on another forum run by a big shop in melbourne, the mods there advised that its fine to sell an own zebras apparently, i aksed as i wasnt sure.