Why are Congo tetra so expensive?

There are a million reasons they are expensive. They are tough to breed and usually bred overseas so they aren't being bred by a lot of people. Gas is expensive too, so shipping from breeders to wholesale facility is probably more expensive than Þhe actual price of the fish.

Wild caught yellow congos as cheaper here for whatever reason...

They are a schooling fish but get quite large. Hope you got a big tank. Petco sometimes runs a BOGO sale. Pick some up then.

Hhmmm...I usually am always able to get them for around $4 each, but have never cause I don't have a suitable tank at the moment (yes, I'm still working on that 90gl!). I would keep looking for them and not to get to flustered cause now and again you will run into a good sale. Just make sure you QT any fish you get.

I think the real question is why are there no females Congo tetra available?

From what I read Congos will breed in a large tank with soft - peat filtered water. My take on this issue is the problem is rearing enough omnivorous young to adult size and still having physical space for large tanks for spawning and grow out.

My $2.00 worth. <--- Inflation you know.

It's just classic supply and demand. As the others pointed out, they aren't easily tank bred w/o hormones and they're very popular.

they aren't easy to breed? wow cuz i had some breeding for me but the other fish kept eating the eggs. i guess i should try to get the group back and breed em again

NateFank said:

they aren't easy to breed? wow cuz i had some breeding for me but the other fish kept eating the eggs. i guess i should try to get the group back and breed em again

Click to expand...

Seems like there's an opportunity open for you.
Good luck.

Petco is selling 40 breeders for $40.00 for another week or two.

Several things will affect pricing. Yes, certainly supply and demand. Less people keep 3 & 4ft aquariums that are suitable for these fish, than the 10 gallon and 20 gallon crowd for the neon tetras.

With fish their growth rate also affects how quickly you can turn your product. Most fish aren't sold until they are begining to show some adult coloration. Many LFS won't even take them before this; and they certainly don't want tiny fry. To get Congos up to size takes a few more months.

Also if you wait until a fish get to be 2 1/2 - 3 inches before you 'll ship them to market, then you need to ship less in each bag. Airfare cost are split by 20 units each; instead of by 100 - 200 each w/ cardinals or neons.

Finally, last winters severe cold hit the Florida Fish Farms quite hard. Stock was lost: http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/20...e-20100111_1_fish-farmers-tropical-fish-guppy (Supply and demand.)