revhtree
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I have been a marine hobbyist and professional for over 40 years. It is very rare that I contribute to forums. I teach aquarium science at a local university and have owned a successful retail/service company for over 35 years. My company is a high end retailer and cater to higher end customers and businesses. It is imperative that we provide our clientele healthy specimens. We quarantine our fish for over three weeks after arrival. It has taken years to come up with a system of quarantine that works.
The comment made about the industry not caring about fish health should not be a blank statement. There are only two wholesalers in the country that I deal with. I have personally toured these facilities and can testify these facilities are spotless, well maintained and do everything possible to provide a healthy specimen. Yes, indeed there are more "low ball" distributors out there than good. BUT, these companies are no different than a lot of hobbyists that demand low prices. High quality means higher prices. Unfortunately, I don't see how we can change this attitude of treating these beautiful animals as a commodity. Collectors/shippers, wholesalers and retailers all share the blame as well as the consumer.
Unfortunately, with the pressure on the hobby continuing on strong from environmental groups such as PETA, Snorkel Bob etc. diseased fish is not the only thing this hobby needs to worry about .
If this industry wants to survive, there needs to be a conscious change in the behavior from everyone involved. I feel this starts with the consumer demanding high quality and not "Cheap" fish.
Welcome to R2R. I agree and I for one am willing to pay a premium for fish I know are disease free.