ordering vs seeing

[info_sponge]

I have a question as to ordering corals. For example... Let's say I am thumbing thru a book and fall in love with a particular specimen... For example... Heliofungia actiniformis (Plate Coral).
I have seen these light blue with neon blue tips, creme with pink tips, clear with white tips etc.
Now, let's say my LFS says they can order ANYTHING I want as long as I have the scientific name. How do I ensure I get a blue one? Can I?
Or do I have to wait and get lucky and run across one while it's on display? Just asking. I know the answer is probably you get what you get, but I am not sure if you ask for a blue ...something.... If they actually ship you one, or if they just ship the species.
Thanks for your help. <img src="graemlins//confused.gif" border="0" alt="[confused]" /> <img src="graemlins//confused.gif" border="0" alt="[confused]" /> <img src="graemlins//confused.gif" border="0" alt="[confused]" />

 

[deuce_bigalo]

My LFS will order anything I want and I can specify color, size.
But I would say different lfs might not.
I would ask them for the specific color and say if its not right then you don't want it !!

 

[keitho]

unfortunately, buddy, most corals and other invertebrates can come in a variety of color configurations, even if the scientific name is correct. unfortunately, this may lead to you either accepting the first specimen that satisfies most of your criterion OR waiting INDEFINITELY for a specimen that matches your acceptance criterion. hopefully, you will accept the most closely identified piece, OR you will continue the search for that "MOST SOUGHT AFTER PIECE"...........