....is it me or does anyone else feel the same

[Myka]

It's because it is livestock. There are lots of variables...some LFS order from transshippers, some direct from suppliers in other countries. Some LFS make bigger orders and get better deals, plus the bigger orders pay less per fish for the permits and fees (most permits and fees are per shipment, not per fish/box). Some suppliers will have sales so the LFS will have a lower price for awhile. Some LFS buy from suppliers with "named corals" which tend to be higher price even though the same thing can be found in wild shipments. Also fish and corals from certain areas like Indo or Philippines will be cheaper than Aussie stuff simply because of shipping and permits. Oh the list goes on...

EDIT: Haha, I guess I could have just said, "What chandigs said."