Couldn't Make The Purchase

How does everybody feel about seeing dead fish in display tanks at a LFS? I ask b/c I went to the store tonight in hopes of buying a new fish, however had to refrain b/c of seeing 3 dead fish throughout the displays (in seperate sections but probably all plumbed to same system). Unfortunately, they were short staffed and I was not helped, so I left empty handed after waiting for a while.

I realize a number of things could be factored here, but is it me or does that just not seem right?

 

they were just probebly stressed from the moves they went through, my LFS loses 2-3 outa 60 fish whenever he gets a shipment in, i thin its farely normal IMO

 

If it was within a day or two of their latest shipment, I'd think it's somewhat normal too. Not every fish ships well, and not every individual copes with the stress the same way.

 

well it doesnt make me want to buy any fish from there, thats for sure. I always tell staff about dead fish (for removal), maybe they just got a delivery of fish in today.. and didnt acclimate them properly, or bad water quality, or diseases/parasites.. etc..

all you can do if you do see a fish you really want, have them feed it and check it for any torn fins, parasites, odd behavior, etc.. if all checks out buy it and QT it for a while before throwing into DT.

 

I don't like seeing dead fish, but it does not bother me enough to leave if I see 2 or 3 in the store because as stated above. I do have a problem with not being recognized and greeted even if the store is short handed.

 

I'm with you. Seeing dead fish in the display is something that always makes me refrain from buying. I understand it happens, but if I see a dead fish there is no way I am walking out of the store with a fish that day. Maybe if I come back a week later and one of the fish I was interested in is still there and doing well and there are no dead fish in the displays the next time ago, then I will go home with a fish.

You would think priority number one would be to remove all dead fish ASAP.

 

Yeah I wouldn't be too concerned. Especially if you said they were short staffed. They may have just not had time or even noticed they were dead. If you think about how many fish go in and out of their tanks, they're bound to lose some. We all have fish that die. It happens. I would be more concerned if I saw fish with visible signs of disease/infections or poorly maintained systems.

 

I wouldn’t be worried.

Just remember out of all the fish they buy, some will die. It’s normal. Although, if you see dead fish in the tanks most of the times you go in, then it would be a little fishy cheesy

 

Alot of things can factor into this if it is a large system. The fish may have been delivered that day in large quantities. Unfortunately, all fish do not always make the adjustment, tank to tank. If you are in the hobby long enough, you will lose some at times. That being said, It does not mean that there is NOT something wrong with the tanks either. Do what your gut tells you to do. After awhile, you can tell a healthy tank from a not so healthy tank. Also, if you visit the same stores on a regular basis. You will see a pattern...Best of Luck!

 

beat me to it