Best way to get specific fish?

[shiningarmor377]

Hello everyone, about three months ago I set up a 75-gallon mixed reef and planned out my ideal overall stock list. I currently only have two clownfish, a pearly jawfish, and two reef mollies. I've been reaching out to several LFS in my area looking for the next few fish on my list, but so far I haven't been able to get anything I'm looking for, and I'm getting increasingly frustrated. what's typically the best way to get specific species?

The full stock list, roughly in the intended order of addition:

First "batch"-
Curious wormfish
blue spot sanddiver
Yellow stripe clingfish (one male + two female)
gumdrop coral croucher goby

Second "batch"-
Yellow assessor basslet
geometric pigmy hawk
ruby red dragonet
Pygmy Possum wrasse

Third "batch"-
Yellow-banded Possum wrasse
Velvet Fairy wrasse

Fourth "Batch"-
Royal Pencil wrasse
Two spot hogfish

I requested everything in the first batch from two local fish stores more than a month ago and still haven't been able to get anything. I'm not sure if there's a better way to go about this that I'm not aware of or if I've accidentally selected species that are particularly uncommon or difficult to get, but either way, I'd appreciate whatever advice I can get.

 

[Justfebreezeit]

The first batch is a pretty uncommon set of fish. Either keep checking online sites a few times a week or be increasingly patient and wait for your lfs.

Also make sure you have a good relationship with your lfs and they are actually looking for these fish at their wholesaler. A lot of local shops just make a mental note and either forget or ignore.

 

[TheFunnyFarm]

Sometimes it’s just availability and the season. I waited months to get a Yellow Tail Tamarin Wrasse from the initial request, then recently it only took two weeks to get a Yellow Breasted Tamarin Wrasse.

I’d suggest trying to speak to the owners of your LFSs. That way you know your requests are being executed. It also helps in receiving honest feedback and updates, but most importantly building a solid relationship.

 

[Outlaw Corals]

If I’m looking for any specific kind of fish, call Mike over at New York Aquatics, or go on Facebook and join some of the reefing groups you should be able to get enough direction in any of those groups

 

[luv2lopeqhs]

Hello everyone, about three months ago I set up a 75-gallon mixed reef and planned out my ideal overall stock list. I currently only have two clownfish, a pearly jawfish, and two reef mollies. I've been reaching out to several LFS in my area looking for the next few fish on my list, but so far I haven't been able to get anything I'm looking for, and I'm getting increasingly frustrated. what's typically the best way to get specific species?

The full stock list, roughly in the intended order of addition:

First "batch"-
Curious wormfish
blue spot sanddiver
Yellow stripe clingfish (one male + two female)
gumdrop coral croucher goby

Second "batch"-
Yellow assessor basslet
geometric pigmy hawk
ruby red dragonet
Pygmy Possum wrasse

Third "batch"-
Yellow-banded Possum wrasse
Velvet Fairy wrasse

Fourth "Batch"-
Royal Pencil wrasse
Two spot hogfish

I requested everything in the first batch from two local fish stores more than a month ago and still haven't been able to get anything. I'm not sure if there's a better way to go about this that I'm not aware of or if I've accidentally selected species that are particularly uncommon or difficult to get, but either way, I'd appreciate whatever advice I can get.

Quite a few of the items on your fish list are definitely a little harder to find, possibly seasonal/intermittent availability. You May have to resort to adding some of these items singly as found instead of in batches.
If you’re still seeking a yellow assessor. I’ve seen several wild caught yellow assessor’s online @ Diver’s Den, at my LFS, and other online retailers recently. After not seeing any for quite a long time. I finally was able to snag one off the Diver’s Den Live Dive Sale on 7/31, he was on sale and they offered free shipping for the Live Dive items. He’s a stunning colored good sized (2”) Australian specimen..came in looking absolutely fabulous, settled in great, is already eating really well and cruising around the tank like he’s been there forever!
The Geometric Pygmy Hawkfish is another that seems to come in small spurts throughout the year. I got one for my tank several months ago from my LFS and they had several available at that time, but haven’t seen any in there in a while since that group came in, but they do seem to pop up more frequently than the assessor’s do.
I usually try to pop in and also communicate regularly with my LFS when I’m seeking something and tend to cruise online retailers regularly as well when in search of a particular fish. Most of the online retailers have sneak peeks or email notifications. That may help you find what you’re looking for by signing up for those at a few of the online retailers.