![Picture](/uploads/4/8/1/0/4810798/m-meleagris.jpg?250)
I fully believe an ethical LFS should do everything possible to ensure their stock is sold to aquarists with the correct setups and where possible, knowledge to look after the fish in question. Now the LFS is always going to be limited in their knowledge. At worst a new costumer comes into the shop and asks for a particular fish. The LFS can only go on what the costumer tells him. If this information is inaccurate or even untrue what does the LFS do? Refuse the sale or go ahead with it. They are in business after all. I have always advocated building good relationships with the LFS in your area. This way they get to know about you and your setup and can therefore offer better advice. You the costumer can also build up trust in your LFS.. This should be a two way partnership which helps to ensure suitable stock is sold to people who are equipped to look after their purchases successfully.
Having said all of this I believe the first responsibility here should be on the purchaser to do their research about the livestock they wish to keep. Far too many people want 'instant' results and are not prepared to read up on their hobby. We buy a living creature and we should be prepared to do everything we can to provide for its needs. Doing research, being responsible and taking time gives everything a much greater change of living successfully in our aquariums. Do your research, save money, save lives to coin a phrase.