Should I trust Petco/Petshop /etc with getting fish?

[onlikedonkeykong17]

I have purchased fish from Petco and all around pet stores. I have also purchased things from fish only stores. The only issue is that stores that specialize in fish are WAY more expensive.
If i know what I am getting and have experience, should i buy fish from Petco? or is it not as good?

 

[Bogwoodbruce]

I cant say never been in a petco or petsmart, id oay more and get better quality fish though.

 

[jcardona1]

ive bought lots of fish from my local petsmart. sad thing is that they have better selection than all the lfs if this fish looks healthy, you shouldnt have any problems

 

[Louie]

I have purchased fish from Petco and all around pet stores. I have also purchased things from fish only stores. The only issue is that stores that specialize in fish are WAY more expensive.
If i know what I am getting and have experience, should i buy fish from Petco? or is it not as good?

Depends on the store some are good some aren't the one by me is an ich factory .

I rather pay more money and get good fish than pay less for ich infested about to die low quality fish lol imagine most agree.

All kidding aside if its a good PETCO and some are than sure buy from them but take a good look at the fish as far as quality wise forget about the price that shouldn't be an issue .

 

[Thalan]

I actually bought a fish from Wal-mart and he's been excellent. The one guy in the fish dept was actually pretty knowledgeable as well, though you could tell he absolutely hated his job.

 

[Druu]

It depends on the fish. If they look good, they should be alright. Just remember to do the whole quarantine bit.

 

[Flash]

I'm just not going to buy something from a petstore just because it's from a petstore. If I like the fish, it's in good condition and healthy, I'll buy it. It doesn't have to be from an LFS. Stores shouldn't matter when coming up with a decision like this.

 

[Bogwoodbruce]

Its better to help local businesses with your customer anyways.

 

[clgkag]

Just remember you have more chance getting a hybrid or a mislabeled fish from a chain store.

 

[pdbrady]

For once a store questioning thread with people who know what they're talking about. Like most above have said, it just depends on the particular store, and the particular fish. Just because there's a certain name on the building doesn't mean their livestock is any worse than somewhere else. I've found gem fish in crappy stores, and crappy fish in gem stores. However, CLGKAG, I have read on here of many people with hybrid/mislabel issues at lfs' as well. It happens everywhere.