Hey Forum Friends!
I purchased a Powder Blue tang from a local store this evening. It was fat and happy, so I figured I had a decent shot. I made a fairly large purchase including 2 lobo colonies, so the fish ended up getting bagged while I was talking colony prices with the owner. Didn't think much of it - they're fairly reputable and I've had all good experiences. Besides, the bagger is essentially the shop manager.
When I get home, I pull the bag out and see the fish on its side acting erratic. A white "stress spot" has appeared just under the dorsal fin, and it's only swimming on one side or straight up and down (occasionally gulping air or spitting water at the surface while swirling itself through the tank). I notice a bulge on the side closest to the surface, so some quick research here says it's likely either swim bladder damage (didn't have that in store - was healthy and well observed) or that it possibly had head trauma getting caught. A few hours later (3 or 4) and the stress spots literally look like the blue is being poured out, and white lines are streaked down its body as it's now lying on the bottom of the tank content to die. (To clarify, this is not ick spots. Similar color loss to my foxface when startled, though far more extreme and obviously begging for death).
As a note, the Tomini I purchased - so far - is perfectly fine. Shy. But fine.
I understand most saltwater fish aren't returnable. I understand typically I'd have responsibility to take care of it, and that failure is usually on me with an in store purchase. In this case, what should I do? The fish was fine in store, but after a short drive home, it's suddenly in noticeably poor condition still in the bag. Quarantine essentially just confirmed it was rapidly chasing death. The store closed shortly after I got home, so I couldn't call tonight. Would you call in the morning and ask the owner for a refund? I'm assuming that's a waste of time given it'll be 15 hours later at the least, and he did knock off $20 or so since I had such a big purchase. Or do I just accept the loss and assume a $70 store donation and watch like a hawk next time?
Getting a bit frustrated with this hobby and appreciate your thoughts and maybe some encouragement too.
I purchased a Powder Blue tang from a local store this evening. It was fat and happy, so I figured I had a decent shot. I made a fairly large purchase including 2 lobo colonies, so the fish ended up getting bagged while I was talking colony prices with the owner. Didn't think much of it - they're fairly reputable and I've had all good experiences. Besides, the bagger is essentially the shop manager.
When I get home, I pull the bag out and see the fish on its side acting erratic. A white "stress spot" has appeared just under the dorsal fin, and it's only swimming on one side or straight up and down (occasionally gulping air or spitting water at the surface while swirling itself through the tank). I notice a bulge on the side closest to the surface, so some quick research here says it's likely either swim bladder damage (didn't have that in store - was healthy and well observed) or that it possibly had head trauma getting caught. A few hours later (3 or 4) and the stress spots literally look like the blue is being poured out, and white lines are streaked down its body as it's now lying on the bottom of the tank content to die. (To clarify, this is not ick spots. Similar color loss to my foxface when startled, though far more extreme and obviously begging for death).
As a note, the Tomini I purchased - so far - is perfectly fine. Shy. But fine.
I understand most saltwater fish aren't returnable. I understand typically I'd have responsibility to take care of it, and that failure is usually on me with an in store purchase. In this case, what should I do? The fish was fine in store, but after a short drive home, it's suddenly in noticeably poor condition still in the bag. Quarantine essentially just confirmed it was rapidly chasing death. The store closed shortly after I got home, so I couldn't call tonight. Would you call in the morning and ask the owner for a refund? I'm assuming that's a waste of time given it'll be 15 hours later at the least, and he did knock off $20 or so since I had such a big purchase. Or do I just accept the loss and assume a $70 store donation and watch like a hawk next time?
Getting a bit frustrated with this hobby and appreciate your thoughts and maybe some encouragement too.
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