UGH!!! Terrible conditions at LFS!

[freemike]

Well I went to a LFS today in Hickory, NC. Superficially the place looked awesome. They had all kinds of fish even some very impressive show fish such as saltwater eels that were the size of your leg and some cats that were 4-5 foot long with orange tails. After I looked around it was quickly disheartening. Some of the show fish were in horrible tanks for their size. I know some fish that were larger than my head were probably in tanks no more than 15 gallons. I saw 4 Kois that were 6 inches or more that were in a 10 gallon tank. I know these fish require massive amounts or water. Then I saw the Goldfish tank with several large goldfish again 6+ inches in the same size tank. Then I came across the "sorority tank". It was a bare tank with 6 female bettas 7 if you count the one that was in some kind of tube stuck that was slowly dying. The others were full of stress stripes and had nearly no fins left. I went up front to ask them about the Bettas they had on the counter which were in a Betta condo. I have to admit these were very beautiful some colors I have never seen before in my area. These were easily equivalent to aquabid top quality and he was selling them for 2 and 3 dollars a piece. I wanted one so bad but my tank is not cycled and I don't know if I could buy from a place that keeps fish in such conditions. Not to mention the fact when questioned about the Bettas up front. He kind of got this superiority complex going on giving me this smirk saying Betta not real fish just pretty just throw in some water and do fine, and if it die only 3 bucks to replace and blew me off.

[Sivan]

You should talk to the manager. If he does not listen then report the store for animal abuse. Pet stores have been shut down because of cruel conditions. I suggest trying to talk to the owner before doing that, however, and even providing him some literature on the topic to show that you aren't just repeating hearsay.

[freemike]

He was the owner... The bad thing is he is considered like a fish god around here because he can get you stuff no one else has in town.

[Sivan]

Then try bringing in some proof of why the conditions are bad. Maybe he thinks it is fine. If he ignores you, report him for animal abuse.

[Bombalurina]

I hate that snobbery that makes people act like bettas aren't real fish. Whenever I look at the bettas in specialist fish shops people treat me like a total beginner, and when they find out I'm relatively experienced they always give me this look (or just say), "When are you going to get some real fish?"

[Luimeril]

:I i dare someone to tell me bettas aren't real fish. i'll give them a million and one reasons why my bettas, are better and healthier than their 'real fish'. :V

[freemike]

I personally don't get it either. I understand Bettas aren't very hard to keep and you can keep them in some simple setups. I particularly find Bettas captivating because of their personalities. Even though they are an easier fish to keep you still have to manage the aquarium. They still have quirks just like any other fish. The industry has really ruined this fish when you look at it.

[Bombalurina]

Yeah...I don't get why they are a 'lesser' fish than cichlids. Sure, they aren't rare, but a thing doesn't have to be rare to be beautiful. Roses aren't rare.

And people who think bettas are easy haven't tried to nurse one back from petshop conditions, or made a sorority.

Regardless of what they think, there is no excuse for such poor conditions. *grumpy face at them*

[greenfishfl]

I get mad went i go to petco and see the poor betta fish there usually they have bad customer serivce cuz u cant even get their attention to buy something there so i just end up leaving mad with nothing bought