Fish Sizes at LFS around the country

[Jbrew]

Is anyone else noticing that when going to buy fish (tangs in particular) the sizes available are just getting smaller and smaller? You used to have zero issues going to a store and finding a fish in the 4-5 inch range. Now every store i walk into you can find a tank with 15 1 inch Hippos or a bunch of Half Dollar sized Sailfins or Yellows etc.
Is anyone else noticing this? Maybe its just me I dunno my experience for the last 3-4 months has been a bunch of fish ive been looking for but nothing even close to being a size I would actually purchase.

 

[JumboShrimp]

Yep. "Shrink-flation" has hit our fish (higher price for a smaller item), just like a can of Pringle potato chips.

 

[fish_collector]

Perhaps it's the LFS you are shopping at? I typically see a wide range of sizes at a few of the better stores in my area. But fwiw, I always try and buy a juvenile when I shop for fish.

I watched a video on YT about aquacultured hippo tangs a while back but I've been unable to find that particular video again. I'll post the link if I find it, it was interesting.

 

[cba191]

Personally, i like buying the smaller fishes. It gives me a better idea of the fish's age. My lfs has a regal and a majestic that are both about an inch. That is kinda crazy.

 

[Damage12]

Yes, been seeing it for a couple of years now. Not sure the reason though.

 

[Tahoe61]

Clams too.

 

[Homewrecker]

The freight on fish is soooo expensive. Makes more financial sense to bring in 20 small fish than 4 bigger ones.
Esp if you cant make those 4 larger fish add up to 20 small fish in income.

 

[Jbrew]

For me I just cant buy them that small. If i put a 1 inch blue hippo in pretty much any of my tanks it would get eaten within minutes. I have room for more fish but my handicap at the moment is i cant find thing big enough anymore. I used to be able to walk into a store and grab a 4+ inch tang with zero issues. Now they are all insanely small. Ive got a Des. Sailfin in a 20g nano right now and he was so small when i got him he probably thought he got put in the ocean.