To Buy Or Not To Buy?

[rarefish]

I have a question that I did not know where to put. I am most likely going to buy a forum member's parrot fish and was wondering if I should or shouldn't? Here are my questions. Is there a way to check this person out on Tropical Fish Forums(people that have bought from this specififc person before), what are some tips to look for a un-true seller, and how do I know to trust them? Thanks!

rarefish

 

[FrankSlapperinni]

I wouldn't simply because it is a Parrot.
Parrot fish are hybrids that have chemicals injected into the water to make certain fish crossbreed against their uninfluenced will. The baby parrot is born deformed, with an unclosable mouth(usually), and a deformed swim bladder (always). They are bred by the same people who inject dye into fish (including parrots).
Although I would say that buying one fish offline is a little economically inefficient. Shipping a with with water and a heat pad, for next day delivery, can be fairly pricey (considering how much water weighs too).
If I were you, I also wouldn't buy one from the local fish store, as this supports the dyed fish industry and just brings out more awful fish like Flowerhorns and Glofish(tm).
You could try investigating the natural parrot fish ( Hoplarchus psittac) if you want, but I do need to remind you that both forementioned parrots are or are similar to cichlids, and can turn nasty in your aquarium anytime they want.

 

[Cheese Specialist]

I don't have any major issues with hybrid parrots other than dyed ones. Is it a dyed fish? Is it to go into your 29gallon? I am not sure that a 29 is big enough for a fish that size and that could be aggressive.

As for the seller, you will just have to use common sense but I would not buy from someone if I was even a little suspicious. It's not worth it IMO.