Shovelnose

[geophagus]

I can appreciate your optimism. Wish I was the same... but now I know too much haha

How much did you pay (in US dollars if possible please)? As I tried to convey, that could be a weak pointer.

Regardless, though, I think getting a non-farm-cull TSN is getting close to winning a lottery these days, unless, like you said, you or your trusted vendor do the collecting themselves.

Vague is the name of the game. If a vendor is vague, especially upfront, they are not accountable for the purchases YOU make. "I told you I was not sure. You bought it anyway." No one can prove anything in the end, not in the court of law anyway and no one would bother.

All we can do is try to make more educated purchases in the future.

And on the upside, "dwarf" TSN are much, much easier to house. Approximately a 2000 gal could suffice.

I totally agree with you sir Trust no one but yourself. Especially some colombian fishermen.... I have first hand experience as i did my own Colombian import around 7 yrs ago.
There was of course a few nice fish in my lot, but there was also lots of dead fish when they got to my place. Lost around 50 Panaques, between 50-100 Arrowanas, and many more...most dead when i opened the boxes, and the rest within a day Poor packing/boxing.... No refunds. Also got lots of fish that i didnt order...cheaper fish... no refunds.

Btw..
I paid around $40 (USD) for the TSN

 

[thebiggerthebetter]

Yup, it's a tough business, which is why reputable exporters are so important as are personal connections... and financial safety nets too...

$40 is borderline. The TSN in the pic looks to be a quintessential fasciatum, albeit at this size it's hard to guess the species reliably.

I will look forward to your updates and the story.

 

[thebiggerthebetter]

More of closely related info in this sister thread: https://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/threads/sorry-another-id-tsn-thread.685074/#post-7714923