Thailand Import Disaster; Won’t Do That Again

so I bought my first betta off Aquabid. Won’t import ever again. My gorgeous fish is a disaster. Tail half gone. Colors nothing like photos. I’m heartbroken I played a part in this.

Have him in pristine water, 6.8 gallons, little water movement and hoping he bounces back.

 

I'm guessing the stress of being shipped made him nip at his tail & took a toll on his color. I think he will bounce back

 

Thanks. Agree, but it’s a bit hard to swallow

 

The Betta in my display pic was imported from a wild breeder in Thailand. When they came in and I opened the box they were all colorless, looked like just a plain flesh color (this was 2 males and 2 females) and you couldn't even tell them apart. The breeder instructed me to have them in conditioning tanks using nothing but some indian almond leaves and at least a small live plant to help regulate water quality, I used anacharis since it was easy to float and provided nice cover to hide in. The males colored up in 2-3 days once they were comfy and had time to relax, the females however never really got much color at all save for one that looked amazing for maybe half a week but she was also ready to breed so I'm not sure if that was related. I highly recommend adding some tannins to the water as it will help them feel comfy and also helps in the healing process. Have faith!

 

Thanks for the encouragement. I did expect him to be stressed and pale, but the half gone tail and shredded fins make me sad. Hopefully they grow back and he’ll be back to his former glory

 

Thanks for the encouragement. I did expect him to be stressed and pale, but the half gone tail and shredded fins make me sad. Hopefully they grow back and he’ll be back to his former glory

He will with your good care I'm sure. Heated clean water and some stress coat would do well.

 

Keep his water clean and he will bounce back.

 

My gorgeous crown tail female lost all her rays when she jumped out of her tank. Didn't find her until about 15 mins later. All the tips dried up and fell off but now, a good month later, they are well on their way to being back to normal.

 

so I bought my first betta off Aquabid. Won’t import ever again. My gorgeous fish is a disaster. Tail half gone. Colors nothing like photos. I’m heartbroken I played a part in this.

Have him in pristine water, 6.8 gallons, little water movement and hoping he bounces back.

Did you email the seller with the photos and information? They usually are forced to give refunds if fish arrive in terrible shape or they send the wrong fish etc.

 

I did. He said “the journey was too long”.

 

How long did it take?

 

5 days

 

Oh well yeah he's right. 5 days in the mail will kill many fish outright. Why did it take so long? Poor little Betta.

 

I don’t know. I suspect a transhipper issue, but have no idea. Won’t import ever again.

 

I don’t know. I suspect a transhipper issue, but have no idea. Won’t import ever again.

I'm sorry to hear your experience is not turning out to be very enjoyable. Importing a fish should be exciting and something to look forward too. Depending on your taste in Betta, the breeder I used was fantastic and both him and the transhipper were great with communication and updates every step of the way. If you ever want to give it another go let me know. I still keep in contact with him to this day for advice and simple updates on the fish he sent me. They aren't all bad, this can be a much better experience. Would you happen to have a picture of your new little guy? I'm very curious.

 

Thank you sinned! Appreciate your empathy, that alone makes me feel a little better .



From Aquabid


Day one



Just now (been here two days)

 

Beautiful fish! I'm sure in your care he will be better in no time!

 

Thanks!!! One of his tank just because it’s a 6.8 gallon. Sorry about the reflection!

 

View attachment 466066 Thanks!!! One of his tank just because it’s a 6.8 gallon. Sorry about the reflection!

That looks great! And his color looks like it's coming back nicely. I'd have to agree with the previous post that maybe he did some tail nipping, possibly a combination of stress and hunger. I look forward to seeing him back in full glory!