It sounds like you may have found a fish connection already, but I'll post this for anyone interested:
I was considering purchasing goldfish online as well, and for the same reasons; lack of variety in our area, and fish that were too skinny or otherwise unhealthy looking. I too was leery....although I've worked in the pet industry, and have had thousands of fish delivered by air/land. Usually the only deaths were from overcrowded bags or poor stock to begin with. But - we also had guarantees from the dealers to receive credit for any losses. So as an individual consumer, I was apprehensive....not knowing which on-line offerings were reliable, and with the high cost of overnight shipping, it felt like a gamble.
However, this past week I finally went for it, and I ordered a single shubunkin from Koi to the World. Pricy for one fish, I know, but it was nice to be able to pick out the exact fish I wanted. Anyway, ordering was simple enough and all was going smoothly...up until UPS called me on the morning of delivery day. I was told there was a "hold" on the package, and that I would have to come pick it up. I hadn't requested a hold, so I was mystified and annoyed. This is a 2+ hour round trip for us, and we're a one vehicle family. If it hadn't just happened to be my husband's day off, I would not have had a way to make this trip, perhaps for DAYS, due to his schedule. Anyway, I contacted the business about it, and they said they didn't request a hold on the package either. So they're investigating it, and I am inquiring to UPS as well....
Now on to the most important part, the fish! He/she arrived double bagged in a tight fitting sturdy cardboard box, with an ice pack and a bit of newspaper cushioning. (In my opinion, a foam lined box would have been better.) The fish was somewhat stressed, sitting in it's dirty water, but no obvious burns or inflammation. It does seem to have a somewhat deformed gill plate on one side, which was alarming at first - as I discovered it while checking for red inflamed gills. But it should be okay - either born that way, or regrowth from an injury... We're on day four here, and still alive anyway!
So other than the shipping hiccup, and who's at fault for that is yet to be discovered.... I survived! Although I'm not sure I'd attempt it again....mostly, based on the expense. But had this fish not been so unique in coloring/pattern, I wouldn't have gone for it.
I've heard good things about Liveaquaria.com, but since I was looking for "handpicked" options, I didn't order there.
Best of luck fish hunting, and please update us if you do have an on-line purchasing experience.
I was considering purchasing goldfish online as well, and for the same reasons; lack of variety in our area, and fish that were too skinny or otherwise unhealthy looking. I too was leery....although I've worked in the pet industry, and have had thousands of fish delivered by air/land. Usually the only deaths were from overcrowded bags or poor stock to begin with. But - we also had guarantees from the dealers to receive credit for any losses. So as an individual consumer, I was apprehensive....not knowing which on-line offerings were reliable, and with the high cost of overnight shipping, it felt like a gamble.
However, this past week I finally went for it, and I ordered a single shubunkin from Koi to the World. Pricy for one fish, I know, but it was nice to be able to pick out the exact fish I wanted. Anyway, ordering was simple enough and all was going smoothly...up until UPS called me on the morning of delivery day. I was told there was a "hold" on the package, and that I would have to come pick it up. I hadn't requested a hold, so I was mystified and annoyed. This is a 2+ hour round trip for us, and we're a one vehicle family. If it hadn't just happened to be my husband's day off, I would not have had a way to make this trip, perhaps for DAYS, due to his schedule. Anyway, I contacted the business about it, and they said they didn't request a hold on the package either. So they're investigating it, and I am inquiring to UPS as well....
Now on to the most important part, the fish! He/she arrived double bagged in a tight fitting sturdy cardboard box, with an ice pack and a bit of newspaper cushioning. (In my opinion, a foam lined box would have been better.) The fish was somewhat stressed, sitting in it's dirty water, but no obvious burns or inflammation. It does seem to have a somewhat deformed gill plate on one side, which was alarming at first - as I discovered it while checking for red inflamed gills. But it should be okay - either born that way, or regrowth from an injury... We're on day four here, and still alive anyway!
So other than the shipping hiccup, and who's at fault for that is yet to be discovered.... I survived! Although I'm not sure I'd attempt it again....mostly, based on the expense. But had this fish not been so unique in coloring/pattern, I wouldn't have gone for it.
I've heard good things about Liveaquaria.com, but since I was looking for "handpicked" options, I didn't order there.
Best of luck fish hunting, and please update us if you do have an on-line purchasing experience.
