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As I stated I would do, here is the truthful recount of my experience in buying fish on eBay....
Fish were shipped Tuesday (6/29) and the two male Crowntail Bettas arrived today (7/01) by USPS Priority Mail.... Packaging consisted of a small USPS Priority Mail box, FILLED with styrofoam "peanuts" surrounding 2 plastic bags closed with air and rubber bands, minimal water and two lovely male Crowntails which I immediately released into their shared - but naturally divided - 10 gal tank. They have seemed to settle in quite nicely - appear quite healthy - swimming actively around their new home checking things out - and the only difficulty I've encountered so far is they have yet to eat any food offered (granules and baby brine shrimp so far)... but from past experience, I realize that by tomorrow their eating may no longer be a concern (however I do intend to email the seller to determine what their diet had been).... after all, they do need some time to acclimate to their new environment...
The only possible downside involved in this particular transaction involves the fish coloration.... The pictured example of the red Crowntail Male shows deep red color from head to tail.... In the description you were permitted to designate how many Crowntail males you would like to purchase and to specify the colors wanted - being allowed to choose red, blue or multi colored... I ordered a red male and a blue male.... What I received was a red - pale body having only "patches" of red around the head, with vibrant, lush red fins... The blue male has a dark, almost black body with blue and red fins.... Frankly, I find the fish beautiful - so I'm not really upset about the color variance... But for someone wanting a specific color for breeding purposes, I would suggest emailing the seller and clearly stating the required color and making sure you would get exactly what you wanted..... I found this particular seller to be friendly, helpful and most accomodating - so I'm sure you could purchase with confidence....
Overall I'm satisfied - good price (2 Bettas including the shipping and insurance = $16.17), beautiful, healthy fish - what more could you ask for???? (Well, I did ask - and I should be receiving my 2 female Crowntails tomorrow!)
So there you have it - My truthful account of the eBay live fish experience!


To thine own self be true...

I'm curious as to what you mean by "naturally divided."

At my LFS, we sell male crowntails for $4.99 (and we usually have about 50 to choose from--they're usually quite nice looking) and female crowntails for $3.99.

"Naturally divided"..... What I meant was that of course the tank is divided since you can't safely house 2 male bettas together in the same tank without a divider...
I live in very small town, in a more or less rural community - we have exactly one lfs and Wal Mart for fish and supplies! .... I'd talked with my lfs prior to purchasing from eBay and had been advised that Crowntails weren't available - and that they didn't get them in except once in a great while.... So I figured if I can't go to the fish, the Crowntail would have to come to me!
I'm not sure I could even handle having 50 or more to choose from! Wouldn't have enough money for all the ones I'd want OR the room to store all of the tanks!



To thine own self be true...

You are so lucky, those fish sound beautiful!

I've had bad luck with the online purchasing of live fish, but I've never tried Ebay................

I've thought a lot about this, and at this point I feel compelled to provide an update on my eBay live fish/betta experience.... As previously described, my eBay Male Crowntails arrived in all their glory and are simply BEAUTIFUL!!!! I have no complaints here... However, my eBay Female Crowntails arrived the day after - and I'm not so thrilled.. Now don't misunderstand! The packaging/shipping was the same as the males - so quite acceptable. Their colors are magnificent! The red female has a cream colored with deep red fins...while the blue is multi shades of color ranging from blue to turqoise... Shimmery, shiny - GORGEOUS COLORS! Overall, both females are healthy - actively swimming and eating. My disappointment is the result of the condition of the females' fins.... The red female was in fairly good condition - although even her tail had some "nips" - but the blue was literally torn up! Comparatively to her size, she had great big "chunks" of missing fins! As stated before, she appears to be really healthy - so I'm not apprehensive of imminent death... But I am concerned about her....
Having been shipped in separate bags, I'm well aware that the damage could only have occurred prior to shipping... And as the seller had just gotten the females in (he owns a couple of tropical fish stores) when I ordered, I'm relatively confident that it was previous to his receipt that the damage occurred - Can't say that I'm not disappointed with the seller though.... At the most, before selling these fish I believe a responsible seller would have allowed these fish to heal - while at the least, the seller should have advised the buyer prior to shipping of the fish's condition offering advice and/or discount instead of emailing that the females came in and looked great!
I had purchased a book, "Bettas - A Complete Pet Owner's Manual" in anticipation of receiving my Crowntails.... And although I'd started and intended to read the book from beginning to end (Sorry! But that's my nature!) I am now trying to skim through the book to see what needs to be done to help the female recover from her fin damage --- So far, I'm not having any luck! So if any of you could provide instructions on how to care for the damaged fins, I'd truly appreciate the advice...... Also, though this probably sounds strange to you - I'm having difficulty confirming that the females I received from the eBay seller are indeed Crowntail females --- Yes, my ignorance is really showing here - but just remember, I am trying to gain additional knowledge by reading and online research! Frankly, these last 2 females look exactly like the previous 4 I'd purchased at my lfs - which were NOT Crowntails! I've tried to find pictures online - looking up Crowntail Bettas in my search - but the only articles I find are pretty much bettas in general, and when pictures are available - males seem to be the only ones displayed by the various types of bettas... (By the way, I just discovered a picture of a Mustard Gas Betta recently - Good Grief! I believe this strain was developed to visually define the word "Spectacular!"
In case you're wondering, I did email the seller about the condition of the fish's fin condition but as of yet have had no reply - then again, with the holiday weekend this might be understandable.... After all, the females didn't even arrive until this past Friday and I know that my life has been very busy with holiday activies!
Well, there you have it... eBay live fish transactions can have downsides as well as upsides... and again, if there is anything I can/should be doing for torn up fins - let me know.
Thank you!



To thine own self be true...

Sorry to hear about your females condition..

I'm sure they will heal properly though A bit of melafix, clean water and good food will have her back to new very quickly.

Here is a picture of a female crowntail:
http://www.aquabid.com/cgi-bin/auction/auction.cgi?fwbettasct&1089042902

Thank you for the picture link Lyndzi! Close inspection of my 2 female bettas in comparison prove them to be Crowntails! Hurray! I also appreciate your advice regarding the melafix... Should my most damaged little lady respond and heal given time, she'll be magnificent due to her coloring!!!!! (But even if her finnage isn't restored to the original state - I'll love her just as much!)
Can't say it enough! I LOVE THIS SITE! So many kind people willing to share information!

To thine own self be true...

No problem,
definately post some pics of the new arrivals if you can!

about the females many sellers keep the females together and maybe they have faught and got ripped up. But unless the fish is dieing it should be fi9ne.