For me the attraction does not diminish. I probably have even greater
satisfaction seeing how much better my fish look compared to the usual store
stock. I still find a large shoal of Cardinals to be a most impressive sight.
You can't get more common than that. Maybe that's why it's so hard to decide who
goes and who stays whenever I accquire new species. Invariably I just set up
more tanks!
I will admit to a certain vanity associated with being the person who has and
distributes a rare or new fish. That is more rewarding. For me. I think there
has been a little too much hoarding in the past/present. I operate under the
premise that I am to share the wealth and spread the gospel of Rainbows etc.,;-)
I was part of the Praecox craze here and, I feel quite good about bringing the
price down to where it should be. I am most dissapointed to see the poor quality
of fish available. Why is that? Other common species are produced in large
numbers and the tiger barbs or gouramis etc., that I see are for the most part
of excellent quality. Not that I have ever kept one of those 'things' so, I
really wouldn't know;-)
I think we have a job to do in getting rainbows more "out there", and training
retailers on how to properly display these fish. Most of us have beat our heads
bloody on that one. Keep doing it! I do feel a bit ambivalent though about
letting the rest of the world in on our little secret.
Chris