

I order a betta for my 6gal planted tank from Coast Gem USA, which I used to live near and would go to their physical store often. I had even bought my ranchu from there a few years back. However, I received the fish today and there were multiple issues.
First, the fish was overnighted and spent about 12 hours in transit in total, but by the time he arrived, the water was freezing cold and I honestly thought he was DOA. Luckily, he bounced back quickly after warming up and was even willing to eat.
Second, the fish I received is entirely different from the one I ordered. I'm aware that Coast Gem does not breed their betta, they just stock them, but they've always been thorough with their goldfish and I thought this would carry over to their betta. That was not the case, which I should have realized with the betta being in vases in their store and not labeled as meticulously as the goldfish. When I contacted the customer service (which I am aware is just one guy in their shop handling the calls and texts), they said it was the same fish I ordered, but the body shapes are completely different, the colors are opposite to each other, and the ventral fins are longer on the guy I received. They credited me for him despite insisting it is the same fish. The attached pictures are of the fish I received vs what I ordered. Let me know if y'all think this is the same fish.
I really want to be able to continue to support this store, as it's a small business and they do a great job with schooling fish and goldies, but don't know if I could recommend them for betta after this, especially the "get what you see" listings. I'd love to hear about other experiences as well.
Side note: Need name suggestions for the baby. He's doing very well after his long journey.
https://www.reddit.com/gallery/1pzwsps
Posted by cultivatedheaven
4 Comments
They both are Koi Bettas but I beleive they are deffinetly not the same fish.
That’s not the same fish at all.
The photo they sent doesn’t look real. They either did it with AI or just saturated the colors so much it’s completely unrealistic. I do like the betta you received. Nice fish.
I honestly think the fish you got looks prettier than the pictures.