PRICES OF GOLDFISH 



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Prices of Goldfish. This is a difficult topic to cover in a satisfactory 

 way, but as it is one which interests many readers, we will try. The 

 commons up to two inches range from ten to twenty cents; up to foui 

 inches, about twenty-five to thirty cents. "Comets" are about twice the 

 price of commons, and "Fantails" about three times These prices are 

 for localities within easy shipping range of the wholesale supplies. In 

 some places it would no doubt be necessary to charge more. 



From commercial store fish to really fancy stock is quite a step, and 

 it is here that the buying public needs a little enlightenment. On the 

 one hand we often hear fanciful rumors of fish being worth hundreds and 

 even thousands of dollars, and on the other hand the under-valuation of 

 rare specimens is just as ridiculous. Many think that for two or three 

 dollars they should be able to take home prize-winning beauties. As 

 stated in the chapter on Breeding Goldfish, the percentage of truly fine 

 fish in a hatching is small, and, as in other lines, those who want the best 

 have to pay for it. Prices will change some from year to year owing to 

 varying success in breeding, and at best these figures can only be ap- 

 proximate. Still, they are nearly enough correct to enable one to decide 

 whether to go in for fancy goldfish stock, and if so on what basis. 



Celestials are seldom on the market. When obtainable they are 

 about the same price as good Orandas, $10.00 to $25.00 each. 



The prices of fine Lionheads are high because it takes years to de- 

 velop a large hood. 



It might be added that it is no easy matter to procure the extra fancy 

 grades, even at top prices. There are comparatively few of them and 

 breeders naturally want to hold them for purposes of propagation. 



As to sources of supply, note advertisements in the different aquarium 



magazines. 



