Sadly, the "ORA" label has become a gimmick and not the stamp of quality it once was.
As ORA fish became more popular, their quality well known, and more available to the average aquarist, it also became a smoke and mirrors stage for selling certain varieties of fish.
I have been in lfs stores where they are offing "ORA" fish in almost every variety. ORA only breeds certain type of fish, however, as I sat there with the sales putz ensuring customers that ORA breeds only the best fish and are in high demand, lived longer, ate prepared foods, you could tell the customers were impressed. Impressed enough to pay the almost 20% markup from the lfs on the next block who is one of my favorites and an excellent lfs.
To the diehard, educated aquarist, their little scam is transparent, but to the unsuspecting customer who relies upon their lfs for information, they will be none the wiser.
I would venture that educated aquarists are the minority in this hobby. Most have good intentions but rely on the wrong sources for information. These are the folks who feed the idea that saltwater is so much work and so expensive.
Yes, it's expensive to a degree when setting up. However, it is my observation that most of their expense comes from the constant purchasing of fish to replace those that perish.
I figure whatever I do will be a simple setup, low light, FOWLR, likely the mandarin will be alone.
