Ah, comet fish! Those magnificent aquatic creatures that light up our ponds and aquariums. As a pet shop floor manager for over 10 years, I've had the opportunity to see hundreds of these little golden swimmers. Today, I'm going to talk to you about their price and give you some buying advice. So, are you ready to dive into the fascinating world of comets?
Comet fish prices: a worthwhile investment
When we talk about comet fish priceHowever, there are a number of factors that come into play. Size, colour and place of purchase are all factors that influence the price of these little aquatic gems. Let me tell you all about it!
Average rates by size
The price of a comet fish varies considerably according to its size. Here is a summary table to help you find your way around:
| Fish size | Average price |
|---|---|
| 3-5 cm | 2,40€ à 3,65€ |
| 7-10 cm | 2,70€ à 4,50€ |
| 10-12 cm | 3,60€ à 4,50€ |
| 12-15 cm | 9,90€ à 10,00€ |
| 15-20 cm | 23,10€ à 27,40€ |
| 25-30 cm | 46,30€ à 48,70€ |
I remember one customer who was desperate for a 30 cm comet fish. I had to explain to him that at that price, he could almost afford a small shark! OK, I'm exaggerating, but you get the idea.
Price variations by colour
Colour also plays an important role in the comet fish prize. The most common varieties are :
- Comète or: slightly more expensive (e.g. €2.70 for 4-7 cm)
- Comète calico: price similar to standard comète
- Black comet: more expensive (e.g. €4.10 for 7-10 cm, €36.60 for 15-20 cm)
Black comets are the stars of the department, with their mysterious appearance. But be warned, they can put quite a dent in your wallet!
Where to buy comet fish?
The place of purchase also influences the price. In general, you'll find cheaper prices in garden centres than in independent pet shops. But don't forget that price isn't everything! Quality advice and follow-up are just as important.
Maintenance and cost of living of a comet fish
Buying a comet fish is all very well. But you also need to think about its upkeep! Here's a quick overview of the monthly costs involved:
Food and maintenance budget
For two comet fish, you will need approximately :
- Food: €0.60/month
- Water: €0.32/month for water changes
- Electricity: €2/month for a 60-80L aquarium
That's nothing to sneeze at, is it? But be warned, these costs can rise if you have several fish or a large aquarium.
Equipment required
To provide the ideal habitat for your comet, plan :
- An aquarium of at least 100 litres per fish (yes, these little guys need space!).
- Good filtration and oxygenation
- A heater to maintain a temperature of up to 30°C
I've already seen customers leave with a tiny jar for their comet. Believe me, it's like trying to keep a Saint Bernard alive in a Paris studio!
Food and care
Comets are omnivores and love to nibble. Plan a varied diet with :
- Flakes for cold-water fish
- Granules
- Fresh vegetables (spinach, lettuce)
Don't forget to give them a regular supply of plants. It's a bit like eating pizza every day: not very balanced in the long term!
Choosing the right comet fish: advice from a pro
After all that talk about price, let's talk about how to choose your future aquatic companion. Here are a few tips I always give my customers:
Selection criteria
When choosing your comet fish, pay attention to :
- Liveliness: a healthy fish is active and curious
- Its appearance: avoid fish with damaged fins or suspicious spots
- Its size: opt for fish of a similar size if you're taking several.
And above all, don't hesitate to ask the seller questions. A good professional will be delighted to share his or her knowledge with you.
Ideal living conditions
To help your comet flourish, make sure you give it :
- A pH between 7 and 8
- Water hardness between 5 and 15 gH
- A group of at least 5 individuals (comets are sociable!)
If you have a garden, you should know that comets adapt very well to life in an outdoor pond. In fact, if you're considering this option, I recommend that you take a look at this site. complete guide to creating a koi pond. The principles are similar and you'll find lots of useful information!
Adult size and longevity
Don't forget that your little 5 cm fish can grow to 30-35 cm when it reaches adulthood! It's a bit like adopting a Saint Bernard puppy: cute at first, but it takes up space over time. Make sure you allow plenty of room for it.
As for longevity, with good care, a comet fish can live up to 15 years. That's a real long-term commitment!
Ultimately, the price of a comet fish is only a small part of the equation. The most important thing is to provide it with the right environment and appropriate care. With a little care and love, your comet will become a faithful aquatic companion for many years to come. So, are you ready to take the plunge?
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