Typical of lfs quality?

[Gp!]

So I live pretty far from any lfs. Too far to know someone who could recommend a good one also.

Well I had an appointment in a nearish by town that sure enough had two saltwater fish stores. I was pretty happy because I've been wanting to find somewhere that I could turn a visit into a trip for the benefit of knowledge and knowing the people I'm buying livestock from.

I didn't see a single fish I have been considering that wasn't sick. They definitely all had very visible ich at least. And my eye is very untrained so I'm sure it was much worse than I realized.

This fish was in their main display tank you see when you walk in. It was so bad I had to stop and double check and then took a photo.

I've attached it. Is this the level of quality typically offered to consumers? Will I run into this level of quality from online sellers too?

 

[Mikedawg]

Don't just walk away from this store - run! Lot of good online suppliers and many reefers seem to like LiveAquaria.com. Certainly there are many others and other R2Rers will soon give you their recommendations, especially after seeing this pic.

 

[Zeal]

Literally animal abuse... None of my LFS have anything like this.. This is just sad... I actually feel sad for this animal. I hope you said something to the owner.

No you wont run into issues ordering fish online but remember to QT them when they arrive because they'll be very stressed.

 

[Maritimer]

Looks like that eggcrate and window screen might once have been a DIY undergravel filter?

This tang looks pretty elderly, and clearly suffers deeply from Head & Lateral Line Erosion (HLLE). Either they took this guy in as a "rescue", or . . . or . . . No, I really can't think of any other legitimate reason for that fish to be in that condition.

Ich, however, along with several other issues, is as common as sand at the bottom of the tank. You _will_ want a QT, and sooner (with your first fish) would likely be better than later.

~Bruce

 

[dede]

This tang is not typical for either a LFS or online vendor. Ich and velvet, on the other hand, is a current problem in the industry.

I would not buy any livestock that showed visible signs of parasites. But you still need to quarantine even if you don't see signs, there is just too much risk nowadays.

 

[Gp!]

Well that's good to know. Thanks for setting my mind at ease

 

[cracker]

Ya Gp The pic shown isn't even close to other lfs /reputable online venders. As mentioned every fish at least needs to go into another QT tank for observation . I can only hope the owner of this lfs is trying to rescue this fish. Certainly not good for business. However sounds like he may have the market all to him self.
My God ! looks like the poor fish's skull bone is exposed !

 

[Bob Weigant]

Horrible , hopefully out of business soon