I just was curious, why the imported ones are often so much smaller than these offsprings and was wondering, at which size they left the water and have they already eaten at all. I think it is not the best start into live to be shipped that long short after metamorphosis, isn't it!?
And we also where wondering, what's sent over the pond, the "normal quality" or maybe a "lower quality" which can't be sold in the US. Like it is e.g. with ball pythons: the new morphs are usually sold within the US, morphs which can't be sold there anymore, are send over the pond because there is still a market for them.

Maybe the main reason is: These ones are bred by private people who took a lot of time and care to raise them and the ones in the pet trade are normally bred by professional breeders who are interested to produce masses at low(est) costs.

Just some thoughts and no offense in any way intended!