The trouble with fish is unlike other common pets, like dogs or cats, is they're are so many different variety's...Needing completely different care depending on the family/species of fish.People just don't seem to realize this, and turn a blind eye to research because 'they're just fish'.
Whining children also play a big part of buying unsuitable fish, aswell as general ignorance of some people.

Right, I once saw a kid wanting to put a clown fish and some other salt water fish into a slat water tank because it looked like Nemo and Dori from that fish movie, Finding Nemo. I think people look at fish as inferior pets because universally they are food, unlike dogs and cats. Always do your research, Planetcatfish.com, though not always 100% accurate, but it still helps.

This post has been edited by darknirvana217: Apr 7 2008, 02:11 AM

Also, I think the general attitude about fish came from the carnival/fair atmosphere. I remember as a kid getting those feeder goldfish and putting them into a little bowl and them only living for like two weeks. It was fascinating when a friend's fish lasted over a month. People just don't think that fish live very long and they are pets to just "flush" when finished and move on. Even more people think that fish are "easy" pets, because all you have to do is chuck a few fish in a box of water and that's it. And people have the nerve to ask why all their fish died...

You're right, the problem is the consumer, that is why I said there will always be a market for these species. To say that I will not shop at a store because they stock these fish is hard, because the majority of shops sell these fish. I mean, I understand how powerful we all can be if we are united, but it seems not practical or feesable, because of this problem.
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They have no option but to change if they want your money which they do, my LFS has a prohibited fish list which includes R/T Catfish,Pacu and other tank busters this is a respected national chain that started in s e England if they can do it all shops can

I have a lot of respect for this store, then, if they choose to have a prohibited list. I wish that the stores over here did that, but to be able to change the "average" people's opinions is not the easiest thing in the world to do. I mean, I could boycott a lfs, because they choose to bring these fish in, but there will be 10 others to take my place. There is just not enough training of the staff and competant fish store owners to just ban fish that sell well, even though they are monsters.

EDIT: I just wanted to add that when I worked at an LFS, I convinced the manager not to bring these fish in for sale. I explained to him why and how large they got and thankfully, he listened. I guess to stop these fish being sold, a consumer should go to the fish store owner and not just boycott the store itself. Hmm... something more to think about, I guess.

This post has been edited by invaderwithkey: Apr 9 2008, 04:23 PM

If they're your 'favourite fish' then why are you asking if we know anything about them?

If you buy a fish then be prepared to look after it properly or just leave it there, you can't just buy fish and take them back when you want.

If anyones ever been swallows aquatics raleigh, you can see a almost fully grown (Pressuming, its Huge!! XD) one of these in the center of the room, the tank is too small really but the fish looks awesome

This post has been edited by Ace Of Spades: Apr 10 2008, 09:59 PM

Bin to swallows many times, that RTC is not even 3ft, they can get over 5ft and that tank is FAR too small, just another rejected pet, like the pacu they used to have on display.

Buying a fish because you "like" it knowing you'll have to return it in a month is the weakest thing ive heard in a while.

Well thank you for all of your opinions. I know what I'm doing, I've done my research. By the way, it hasn't grown an inch since I've bought it about a month ago.

Maybe because it's only in a 30 gallon tank?

Maybe that shows that, in fact, you don't know what you are doing?

I thought you was going to take it back and not keep kidding yourself...

Lol
Look at mark and canes tig thread to see how it should grow, jlOisAhoTti.

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This post has been edited by darknirvana217: Apr 17 2008, 07:18 PM

Woah, someone actually agreed with what i said!

Of course.

do the fish a favor and find it a proper home. what your doing is NOT fair to the animal by any means. how would you like to have spent 3/4 of your life in a 10' x 10' room??