Ok, talked to "Chris" at Wartook Native Fish Culture...Wartook Victoria
Quote:
From their HomePage ...
We specialize in the breeding and supply of Estuarine and freshwater sports fish, also we are researching species not available in Victoria to date.
Our breeding program is weighted towards increasing genetic variation by including new wild broodstock in every spawn.
Due to the restrictions on placement of native fish species, we are endeavoring to offer a minimum of three different species for each region of Victoria.
We encourage the dam stocking of the rarer species so that they can be better understood and appreciated. It is in this way that we believe that our rare native fish will come back from the point of extinction.
To ensure that our fingerlings are delivered in the best health and speed, we deliver personally to over 150 agents in Victoria and S.A., or use reliable small carriers to the same end. Deliveries are arranged seasonally.
Our fingerlings are grown to a minimum of 50 mm for Silver's, Golden's, Bass and Estuary Perch. 60 mm for Cod and 80 mm for Catfish. We consider these sizes to be robust and fit for maximum survival in most dam situations given suitable cover from birds and correct release procedures. Release instructions are to be found in the fish box.
Anyway he seems interested in the concept of what we are doing.
He will do minimum orders of 50 fish, with guaranteed sizes as above, for prices of ...
Wartook Prices
which include GST, plus freight costs
So that's 50mm Silver Perch @ $0.66 each plus freight.
To date he says they have only shipped to Victoria (I gather that they are a relatively new enterprise)... but he is quite willing to ship anywhere.
WA and QLD might be able to do better locally or with our friends @ livingfish but for SA ,VIC, TAS, ACT & NSW they might be worth considering.
Mentioned that some members had experienced problems with "ICH" ...
(he immediately named the suspect(s)) and stated that all fish supplied were guaranteed "ICH" free...
Suggested that while he probably couldn't discount small order prices any lower that if any member of "Backyard Aquaponics" was to quote this forum when ordering 100+ he would "see what he could do"...
Any order (combined) of 1000+ would be definitley negotiable.
Doesn't offer "Jades" at this time and says that the "Golden Perch" have proved problematical with regard to training to take pallets....
Bass, Murray Cod ... suggested growth rates were slow...
Tandanus... no problems
Backyard Aquaponics
) from what I've learned they sound good, and fairly tolerant! Fast growing and good food acceptance 'cause I plan to experement, all sounds good.