local livestock the best

[Snappy]

I guess I am lucky as for the most part my fish usually live. Interestingly enough the fish that seem to do the best come from one LFS in particular. ( I am sure you can guess where)
I usually ask how long it has been in the store and will seldom take a fish that hasn't been there for at least a week to 10 days. You can always pay for the fish and ask the store to hold it for you as well. If it dies before you go pick it up then get your $ back, and if it lives it has had time to adjust.
I also have 3 cleaner shrimp, a fire shrimp and a cleaner wrasse so any parisites don't stand a chance to kill the fish and spread to others. These guys are worth their weight in gold. I have a QT and seldom use it.
Greg