Question about your LFS

[holyherbiness]

My local fish store is a large place called Fish Town USA in bayside, NYC)
Today, I purchased 16 small fish, and the way the guy took them out disgusted me. IE: The person sent in a net and thrashed around violently inside the tank grabbing wildly at the fish. One time, the guy even crushed one of the fish against the side of the aquarium wall with the net, where it just limped off.
In another instance, I saw the man net out some clownfish, where he then used his hands to grab them out of the net to put them into whatever aquarium

I don't know, just seems odd to me.

 

[Rava]

The several places I've seen net fish... They used a net, but were alot more careful about just ctaching the one fish I wanted, and not squishing/scaring the heck out of the rest of them. They had to move quickly, but it definitely wasn't "thrashing"! They then held the fish (through the net) between tank and plastic bag, I guess so it couldn't jump out. The process of switching from tank to bag was also done quickly.

I watched anxiously every time, but all in all I don't think they did too bad a job.

 

[ChicoRaton]

I know what you mean about the people thrashing around and squishing fish againts the glass. I think the trick is to go in when they aren't busy. I just got some fish from my lfs today (at 4 pm on a sunday) and it was just me and one other person in the place. I also had the owner catch the fish for me instead of one of the employees. I've talked with her and she seems very knowledgeable and cares about the fish. I'm sure most owners would care more about losing stock than the employees as well anyway, she took her time and was able to get all the fish without even scaring them I think
In any case, try to find the happy employee that seems to like his/her job and like fish.
On a slightly unrelated note, I really love the new lfs (the one I was just talking about) here. excellent prices, excellent stock, and a knowledgeable owner. I think the best way to get good service is to talk to the resident fish expert about tanks, ask questions that you might even know the answer to, compliment their knowlege, and visit regularly.

but I ramble.
Peace,
Chico

 

[aquariumfishguy]

From the time I was 28-33 years of age, I sold fish to my LFS. I would breed fish like crazy, and they were exceptional looking. However, just as my landscaping has gone to sh*ts, so did breeding fish. Time was the factor here, I had none of it.

Anyway, to get on track... my LFS which is opposite of a large "chain store" treats me like family. I come in often, have some coffee and talk to everyone. Its really nice, and being that I have a personal relationship with these folks, I can net out my own fish. I do not purchase fish often as I am fully stocked for all of my 18 tanks, but when/if I needed to get a fish, I can do it without having to have someone else net the fish out.

I know, it's nice.

 

[jacblades]

i bought gobies from petco the other day (i know-i am ashamed! but nowhere else had them...) and the dude smashed one with the net. he died later that night so when i went back to swap it, i made sure the nicer fish guy netted it for me... i see this at all of the pet stores i go to. rarely is there someone who would rather take 10 extra seconds to carefully net a fish instead of stabbing it to death with the net. they dont seem to hire people who care about fish-which to me doesnt make any sense

 

[aquariumfishguy]

...Well I ask myself the same question when I go to Burger King and I get some frumpy-looking lady with half her teeth missing behind the counter saying "speak up, whatcha want?"

...why aren't the employees like the ones on BK's commercials?

 

[QCppg]

Just for the record I catch my fish with my hands. As long as your hands are CLEAN it does less damage than a net.

 

[Gambusia]

Catching fish with your hands is not a good idea for some species.

I have to transfer an African lungfish and I am definitely using a net.

I would have critized that employee for rough netting of the fish.

 

[Rava]

Originally posted by Gambusia
I would have critized that employee for rough netting of the fish.

Hehehe! I can see it now... Watching them get the fish and going "dude, can you scare the poor fish anymore? Give me that net and let's see how you like it!". :laugh:

Just so long as you're willing to net the fish yourself when they huff at you.

 

[jacblades]

he was also the one that told me the ropefish was a kuhli loach
i prefer to use my hands but i wash them and then slather them with novaqua before i transfer a fish. yes i agree, some fish you should not touch with your hands but i dont have any of those fragile types.