live aquaria - weird sizes

[jzw]

just some feedback on LA...

our last 2 orders for anthias were ok, but the sizes were weird.

either the anthias were super tiny, or kinda jumbo. basically we're thinking these are leftovers from whatever wholesaler they use.

our 'small' pink square came in at almost 6"

our 'small' lyetails were 1" to 1.5", 'medium' was closer to 4"

our 'small' barlett's were 1" or less, they look like jumbo fry lol

there's nothing we can do, we called. i'm not sure who would intentionally buy a 6" anthias lol. just sharing.

 

[WWIII]

Sounds like your running a nursery and retirement home at the same time in that aquarium! I've noticed the same thing, my ignitus anthias were "small" but came in full grown.

 

[Brew12]

Live Aquaria sells fish to individuals directly from a wholesaler. I've heard they may have an employee that goes to the wholesaler to package the fish and ship it, but I can't confirm that. Otherwise, they never see or handle the fish. Their Divers Den fish are ones they have received from a wholesaler and you should get much more accurate information buying that route.

 

[NY_Caveman]

I recently ordered ten 1” Turbo snails for my 45 gallon tank. I got six 2” snails. Kind of big for my small tank, but after the amazing cleaning job they did with algae I just accepted it. I am actually glad they did not send me ten at that size.

 

[P-Dub]

I recently ordered ten 1” Turbo snails for my 45 gallon tank. I got six 2” snails. Kind of big for my small tank, but after the amazing cleaning job they did with algae I just accepted it. I am actually glad they did not send me ten at that size.

C'mon! Who doesn't like a Turbo dominant tank?

 

[Sierra_Bravo]

Same issue: Ordered medium 2-3" black axil chromis specifically to match sizes of a few bought previously, was sent tiny 1" ones instead. I know they don't pull the fish, but the fish are listed by size and if their supplier does not have the stock they should notify the customer. My money goes to Live Aquaria, so regardless of where they get them from they should be held accountable. . . c'mon man - what am I supposed to do with these micro-fish???

 

[alton]

https://www.liveaquaria.com/product/115/blue-green-reef-chromis?pcatid=115&c=15+1634+115
I am confused because the pictures of the fish in the bag are marked blue-green damsel?

 

[saltwaterpicaso]

same here they are always small

 

[saltwaterpicaso]

full price baby fish lol

 

[Sierra_Bravo]

https://www.liveaquaria.com/product/115/blue-green-reef-chromis?pcatid=115&c=15+1634+115
I am confused because the pictures of the fish in the bag are marked blue-green damsel?

The difference is the "Central Pacific" collection location, I think. The last ones I received were also labeled blue damsel and they were indeed Black Axils - Chromis atripectoralis.

I know they look like a regular blue/green chromis, but under the reef lights they are much more vivid and a better looking fish. Also , a little disclaimer: These are not my first choice by any means. It's the only fish besides my yellow watchman that my wife really likes. Otherwise I wouldn't have any damsel/chromis in the tank; they are kind of a pain.

 

[Sierra_Bravo]

Update: Called LiveAquaria customer service. They asked me to send in photos and refunded my entire order without a problem. Good on them for their customer service and integrity. It's easier to spend your money somewhere if you know they will cover their mistakes and make it right.

 

[Oldreefer44]

Yeah, I don't know what is going on there but I have had problems with them of late myself. Have a feeling that the Petco philosophy of sell sell sell, regardless of what happens to the fish, has taken over completely. Ordered 5 fish. Received them about an hour ago. It is 34 degrees outside yet there were no heat packs in the box, in fact, one bag was laying on its side with about half of the water missing. When I checked the temperature of the water it was 48 degrees. I explain that all the fish are still alive but all are on their sides and likely few if any will survive. So I call Live Aquaria and talk to the agent who quoted their return policy. I explain that I am in a quandry as to what to do. Being retired and disabled I don't have space or money to maintain a quarantine tank and have never really had an issue from not having one. So my options are to let them all die and get a credit or try to save them. I will always try to save them so will very slowly acclimate them and hope that at least some survive. Those that don't will disappear by morning and therefore will not be available for pictures. Talked to a supervisor 'Jacob" who stated that he was in charge, explained that I should have a quarantine tank so that they could be saved for pictures. Said that their policy was essentially written in stone and their was nothing he could do unless I followed their policy exactly which evidently now requires a quarantine tank. So in summation I can let them all die and get a credit or try to save them and lose money on those that don't survive. In this case I will try to save them and not shop with Live Aquaria any more. In the end they will lose far more in lost sales than what they would have spent to take care of a long time customer. Having worked for Petco as a manager many years ago I recognize the indifference as to the welfare of their animals. Time to go to a new supplier.