Yes, for sure the cert helps, but allow me to explain further. A local friend used to import Asian aros from Singapore, and while the farm was well known and had great quality, and was a sponsor here at MFK at that time, it is IMO always best to buy the fish, preferably in person.
My friend looked for more than just shine, potential for crossing, etc. He also watched the fish, it's behavior, how it carried itself & moved when it swam. He was very picky, but over the years and the many fish he imported and personally owned he acquired a keen eye for picking a winner, out of a group of young fish. This was a fish that he would be happy with for many years.
Not that the two species compare, but in the flowerhorn section it is quite common (almost a daily occurrence) where someone is enquiring as to the quality of their fish. IMO it's best to select a fish that you personally like, and not worry about the rest. How pearly it is, what level of shine, or whether it fully crosses are not as important, unless one is paying mega bucks for best of the best quality. Then I guess that becomes a greater part of the overall equation.
