Give me some suggestions

[Curiousowl]

I work for my LFS and have been put in charge of ordering fish (exciting!)
Every week I'm lost at what to order, there are just pages and pages of fish, corals, inverts, ect. So I'm coming to everyone here looking for suggestions, both saltwater and freshwater.
Right now in the saltwater I have, Picasso Trigger, dragon wrasse, clown tang, yellow tangs, flame cardinals, bangai, pajama, sailfin tang, Niger trigger...
But anyone who goes to your LFS what would you want to see there? Freshwater fish too, I have the usuals...but I'm looking for unique things.
Thanks for any input!

 

[SALTYwaterDOG]

In the reef discussion forum there is a popular thread ( stop buying these species ) might be a good read for you. Lots of opinions on this subject there, injoy

 

[Shawn O]

It would be in the best interest of the fish to not carry any species that is listed as "difficult" or "expert" on LiveAquaria.

It would be in the best interest of the fish to not normally stock any species that will grow to over 8".

It would be in the best interest of your employer to carry the fish that people think are pretty and want to take home, regardless of the fate of the fish.

It's up to you and your conscience.

I myself would not carry fish that are listed "difficult" or "expert", are anywhere near depleting the species from the oceans, or will just get too big for the average aquarium. Difficult or large fish are something that should only be special ordered for those who are capable of providing the proper environment for them. I think Koran and Emperor Angels are absolutely beautiful fish, and love seeing them whenever I can, but dislike seeing them in a LFS waiting for whomever is willing to plop down the cash for them, regardless of the destination tank. This goes for pretty much any similar fish.

 

[Curiousowl]

I should add that I do my best to get Aqua cultured species and ones that I know aren't going to have a terrible fate. I refuse to have anything that is listed as difficult or expert, we had a ritteri anemone for the longest time but it found a home at a marine science school. I myself have a Picasso trigger and a porcupine puffer, I know they get fairly large.

 

[Shawn O]

Good for you, it's nice to see conscientious people in the trade. Hopefully, your employer will see it that way as well.

 

[Curiousowl]

They do, they're very happy that I've taken over. I care a lot about the fish, more than previous people before me. I read that post. Luckily we don't carry a majority of those. Damsels, well, we do...sadly. I have a domino right now, he's a nasty little dude. I prefer the chromis. We only have one hippo tang at a time, they're always in good health.

 

[ericarenee]

I believe you are in a Very Good Position to do Positive good for that store and its Customers.. When you say order the fish. Does that mean you control the Fish Dept and how they sell them..
Any Fish you sell is "AT RISK" Depending on who you sell them to and rather they know how to care for the Marine environment they have set up.
So i my opinion its good to stock a Variety of Marine life to help with the Stores Profit... If not you will just loose your Job is the store is not making money or competing with the Variety of other places..
There are many Difficult or EXPERT only fish that do well in a Aquarium..

My Suggesting is First.. Buy Tank Raised fish that are Hardy . Explain this to new Fish keepers that its where they need to start.. Teach them to be Responsible Fish keepers.

With the Above said Yes there are some fish that do not need to be in a Home Aquarium. But not all of the ones they talk about in the thread mentioned above is true.

Good Luck...

 

[Bent]

^. Agreed.

I'd worry about my paycheck before I worried about some blasted fish or the environment. But that's just me.

 

[SALTYwaterDOG]

Domino's can be quite pesky, but in the right setting they can work well.I have two and beleave it or not they are model citizens

 

[Curiousowl]

Yes, I'm in control of the fish department...I do my best to educate those new to the hobby the best I can. I will not sell a fish to someone who doesn't have an adequate set up, or wants it because it's pretty.

 

[ericarenee]

Yes, I'm in control of the fish department...I do my best to educate those new to the hobby the best I can. I will not sell a fish to someone who doesn't have an adequate set up, or wants it because it's pretty.

Ask your reg experienced Customers what they want . As far as weekly stock.. Well i am sure you know how to do your job . But i would buy what is selling and Hardy for new tanks and those who just do not want to put out the effort for more exotic species.

My opinion..

Your job causes you to walk a fine line of what to stock to keep the business alive and do right for the Marine line you sell..There will always be a Moral Compromise at times vs loosing customers...


One of the local pet stores here has a white board on the wall.. You can write your name and phone number on the board and what you are looking for. The pet store manger of the fish dept will send this list to there supplier . This is only used for Hard to Care for and Specialty stuff that they would Rather not be in there store to temp less then knowledgeable buyers .

I think i would LOVE You job. But might make the store owner mad. I have no problem telling someone NO I Will not do that in my Line of work.... I used to work for someone that would say Just do it but make them sign off that its wrong. I always REFUSE To do the Wrong thing..

 

[Curiousowl]

I do love my job, I take special requests from customers and if it is available to order I will, well there are exceptions for some fish. I always have clowns, tangs, damsels, chromis, wrasses, crabs, snails and shrimp. I've asked my regulars if they're looking for anything particular and I always get 'something different, yah know'...No, I really don't know. I have a list of like...600 things...lol