Barracuda at a LFS for sale?

[AlexG]

I dove the Duane in the keys quite a few years ago, on your way down to the deck at about 50 or 60 feet, you pass the crows nest, which on my dive there were no less than 30 full size monsters alot in the 5'+ range. As you're descending and Ascending, They really lock eyes with you and are completely still. Spooky but so exhilarating. One of the best dives of my life.

I have seen some barracuda up to 4' snorkeling. Many of them stay just on the edge of vision circling or just Stare at you. I would be more afraid of swimming with wahoo as they are like a barracuda on steroids. [emoji2]

 

[redfishbluefish]

Anyone who ever dove in warmer waters and saw barracuda would never consider keeping one in a glass box. Yes, they surprise you by coming up on you....and stare and stay for a brief moment....and then they are gone in a flash. They need tremendous distance to do their fast swimming. But then again, someone will say they have one in a 75 gallon tank, and it's happy!!!!!!!! So is fish keeping.

 

[Kershaw]

I agree that having such a fish in a home Aqurium is kinda rediculous. Even if you have a massive over the top tank. But honestly there are people that think having a clown fish in a home aquarium is not right for the fish. So my question is who gets to decide what fish we should be allowed to keep as pets?
Who decides what size tank we should keep them in? I understand that this is mostly judged on people's experience.
Just playing devils advocate. I try and abide by the fish and standards that have been proven best success. As I plan on trying to keep my fish as long as possible, I get quite attached to them.

 

[AlexG]

I agree that having such a fish in a home Aqurium is kinda rediculous. Even if you have a massive over the top tank. But honestly there are people that think having a clown fish in a home aquarium is not right for the fish. So my question is who gets to decide what fish we should be allowed to keep as pets?
Who decides what size tank we should keep them in? I understand that this is mostly judged on people's experience.
Just playing devils advocate. I try and abide by the fish and standards that have been proven best success. As I plan on trying to keep my fish as long as possible, I get quite attached to them.

I think you bring up an interesting subject about deciding tank size for a fish. I think a lot of it comes down to the size and behavior of the fish. Fish that are pelagic and swim in a vast area of open water can be difficult to justify putting in captivity. Many reef fish can live in a large area but they are capable of being sustained in a smaller environment if they have a ready supply of food and are not fish that hunt for food in open water. I think there is a lot of trial and error in determining proper tank size for each species. Many people go off of observation or try to use the scientific information available about the species to determine tank size that is adequate and is not going to inhibit the ability of the fish to swim.

 

[Maritimer]

Least appropriate aquarium animal in a LFS?

Had to be back when I was a kid, 1970s or so. First visit to a shop that would be in the same place for over 50 years, and they had two turtles. Cute little guys, smaller than a tennis ball. I remember telling my dad I wanted one.

Turtles were in the saltwater section, and had flippers where their legs should have been . . .

~Bruce

 

[McMullen]

These should not be sold. As hobbiest we should self regulate better than we do. We must be better stewards and educators.

 

[lou dog420]

I'm on the waiting list for a great white!!! Lol

 

[Jbryan243]

against the law to possess the Atlantic species in the state of Florida w/o a licence and for sure against the law to sell. That looks like the Pacific species but again you need a licence (research I believe) and can't be sold.

 

[Luis Spinola]

I saw this guy when diving in Cozumel, they are awesome but scary when hunting...I do not think it is a good idea to keep them unless in a public aquarium...

 

[Aquaticaustin]

My LFS has an enormous 2-3 foot barracuda for sale that they have had for over a year. Its in a couple hundred gallon tank but its far too small. The fish has an enormous rub spot on its nose that hasnt gone away since I have seen it for the past year or so.