finsanity, luzerne.

address: 335 union st., luzerne pa 18709.
website: www.fin-sanity.com
phone: (570)287-4097
hours: t-f: 1600-2000, sat: 1400-2000.

selection, 8/10:
while they are more of a saltwater specialty store and do not have much space to work with, they have a surprisingly good cichlid selection with a good bit of uncommon species. and if you're looking for something in particular they will get it. i mean really get it (or try, at least). i've gotten a few special-order fish from there now.

health, 9/10:
never had any problems with their fish that were not based on my own stupidity. occasionally you'll see a beat-up fish, but they're honest about what it is and don't try to hide anything.

staff, 9/10:
this is essentially a one-man operation, and he's very good. friendly, helpful and knowledgable. if he doesn't know something he won't try to make it up to save face. and as mentioned, he actually follows through
with special order requests. one minor complaint is the strange hours...not strange, so much, but they're all evening hours.

prices, 8/10:
he's not giving stuff away, but the prices are more than fair. especially given the rarity of some of the selection. his prices on special order items are actually lower than many web-based stores.

overall, 34/40:
this place has usurped az for the title of my favorite fish store. i've been going there about once every other week to pick up special-order fish and normally come away with more as well. it might be advisable to call or email before making a trip, because the store's space is limited. the selection isn't impressive in terms of sheer numbers like that pet place, but i could not imagine a better selection per square foot.