Our trip led us to Tibet to find fish. We only found some cold water fish, but much more than that, it opened our eyes to a world different from ours. Culture, food, artwork. Its an eye opener for those who are set for adventure! Once in a life time opportunity, and I would go back again in a heart beat.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potala_Palace

On our way back through Guangdong and Guangxi, we ran across some very nice crabs, did I hear someone mention crabs? We got crabs!

Tor progeneius from India

People keep looking for cool and rare fish, and then they want it for a cheap price. So this is my take on the problem, its called supply and demand and there is always a breaking point. If diamonds were found in every backyard, I'm sure they wouldn't be adorned on your loved ones finger. Same with fish, if I sold a few thousand cichla kelberi at $15.00 each, all the high end collector would get out of keeping them, and move on to the next rare thing. There is a reason why they call some fish rare, and some command the price. With that said, internet has made information on fish spread much fast, and so is finding a new or rare fish, and made a lot of rare fish not as rare. If all the so called fad fish, rare fish, desirable fish were available at your local petsmart, petco, at less than $12.99 each, monsterfishkeepers.com board would just be called basicfishkeepers.com and I would probably just jump off a building over and over until my bones poke through my heart, whild poking my eye balls out listening to the screech of nails scraping against a chalkboard

This is our night collecting trip with my friend Stan. We found at least 15 different species of cyprinids, gobies, loaches and catfish. The locals usually dry them over open fire and use it as part of their protein source. I had to try one, to say that I caught one, ate one, and keep some. There were two different species of rhinogobius found alongside each other, unfortunately I was only able to get a few back, and didn't include enough of the other specie.

Another unique specimen of what we think is Paracobitis potanini leucistic var. currently Valid as Homatula potanini (Günther 1896). I believe Stan has this fish in his tank right now, I hope

I have a pair of fully grown tetradon duboisi, the "Stanley Pool" puffer, which is very rarely seen in the hobby.  The documented adult size is 4", but my larger one of the two is over 9" already, probably just due to the availability of food in captivity. 

A lime green little fish, what do you all think it may be?

Puntius semifaciolatus, little gold barb from Hong Kong.  I grew up catching them, and since then have not seen them but only the aquarium bred varieties with the solid yellow body.  This batch I obtained from some collectors in Southern China/Hong Kong boarder, and the little males are already exhibiting the intense sunset gold coloration that I've longed for!  Enjoy

Looking for something rare?

I'm always on the hunt for the next rare fish, something that I haven't kept or seen in person or in print. With the advancement of internet the rare are few and far between. Just like with digital cameras, everyone is a photographer, instant gratification! I do realize though, even with all the technology, we no longer need the Thomas guide, no longer need quarters for pay phones. We can find anyone with a push of a button, and find out that they're ignoring you. Time is not more available., constantly people are running late and short on time!

Also on another note...chew on this. If western medicine is so great, and in the US we have almost the best of it for the past 50 years or more, how come we only rank 23 on the world longevity pole after many asian dog eating countries?

So I found another rare fish of the year, mastacembelus brichardi, only 4 pieces obtained, 4-6" No eyes, no pigment. Well, one had many black spots

What I've noticed with these hypogean fish is that some have no pigment, further recession. Some have some pigment, and some have partial eye and pigment. If someone can remember that article about this sink hole on Hawaii, that had only been around for maybe 100 years, and there are eyeless carps, mullets, shrimps, and livebearers. It does not take millions of years of isolation and speciation to take take place.

2011 Guilin goby collecting

New photos today

after a water change the fish come out to play, couldn't resist the photo opportunity!

Good read, off my chest reply

http://www.piranha-fury.com/pfury/index.php?/topic/167629-ternetzi-discussion/

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4975617#post4975617

Spinibarbus denticulatus

The Chinese Phoenix barb, the auspicious name very fittingly given to this colorful endemic barb from China. While looking very plain the first year, looking similar to any other Cyprinids, by second year, their colors come in and begin to have a red patch on the face, and red line running down the length of the body with bright red paired fins. The undertone of the body will turn green during breeding season. The males have an obviously larger anal fin compared to the females and stronger coloration.

Peaceful towards other fish, can be predacious towards smaller fish.

Max size: 30 inches

Diet: omnivorous, opportunistic, insects, vegetable matter, algae, small fish and shrimp

Water requirements: 40-90 F are tolerated, neutral ph to slightly over 7.

Availability: US-next to none

Kachek River near Kachek, Hainan Island, China

Kottelat 2001:41 [ref. 25482]). •Valid as Spinibarbus denticulatus (Oshima 1926) -- (Jin in Kuang et al. 1986:110 [ref. 26639] dated 1962 [sic], Chu & Cui in Chu & Chen 1989:153 [ref. 13584], Yang 1991:195 [ref. 13585], Chen et al. in Pan et al. 1991:141 [ref. 23876], Yang & Chen 1995:68, 150 [ref. 23555], Zhu 1995:51 [ref. 25213], Kottelat 2001:81 [ref. 25780]). •Valid as Spinibarbus denticulatus (Oshima 1926), subspecies denticulatus (Oshima 1926) -- (Zheng et al. 1989:167 [ref. 21202], Shan et al. in Yue 2000:42 [ref. 25272], Tang et al. 2005:77 [ref. 28199]). Current status: Valid as Spinibarbus denticulatus (Oshima 1926). Cyprinidae. Distribution: Asia. Habitat: freshwater.

I had these available for sell about 5 years ago, but sold them too cheap so not many bought them. Well now you couldn't buy one for less than a few hundred dollars!

Rare fish pet peeves

People always ask for fish that I don't have, and when I get them in they want something else.

People always want rare fish, but when you bring in something rare, they don't even know what it is, because its "rare"

People see rare fish and go "ooh and ahh" and then wait, what the hell are they waiting for? Then when they're gone, they start asking if the fish are available.

People tell you I want this and I want that, save this and save that for me, for sure, I don't flake., then some lame excuse...oh I had to take my cat to the vet. At least have the guts to say I jumped the gun, not sure if I can follow through.

People always ask for pictures, have you heard of google?

Even worse, people would ask me if these fish are compatible, what they eat, what size tank they need. Do a little homework before you buy something, and take a little chance in life.

Rhinogobius brunneus

Another interesting coloful goby native to Taiwan and Japan.

Bagarius yarelli "India"

This giant man eater, is currently 30" including the tail, born without eyes, but still can hunt with extreme precision! Its like a cave fish that the eyes have regressed due to the lack of use and developed "enhanced" capabilities to detect prey by smell, and feel!

Bangana behri

Pictures from the net for comparison what it may turn into, the true dolphin barb, here is mine at 35 cm the last picture.

Toxotes blythii

Dream fish come true, another holy grail of fish to cross off my list! Better pictures to come after they get out of the quarantine tank!