Biota mandarin DOA

Redbird5 · Jun 21, 2026

I got a mandarin from Biota on Friday and he died the same day. I let them know ASAP and filled out the form on Friday what should I expect? He was delayed by a day due to a storm in Louisville, Kentucky. I'd prefer to get a replacement. What are my chances of that happening?

RobertK · Jun 22, 2026

They have a 7 day guarantee, as long as you don't drip acclimate the fish. Did you take a picture of the dead fish? I expect you will hear from them on Monday.

slingfox · Jun 22, 2026

I had a yellow tang which passed away within hours of arrival. The fish never made it into my display tank since it passed away so quickly. Biota replaced it. I had to submit a picture or video of the dead fish. I think I may have had to pay for shipping the replacement—I can’t remember but that doesn’t seem unfair.

Redbird5 · Jun 22, 2026

RobertK said:
They have a 7 day guarantee, as long as you don't drip acclimate the fish. Did you take a picture of the dead fish? I expect you will hear from them on Monday.i

I sent four pictures.

slingfox said:
I had a yellow tang which passed away within hours of arrival. The fish never made it into my display tank since it passed away so quickly. Biota replaced it. I had to submit a picture or video of the dead fish. I think I may have had to pay for shipping the replacement—I can’t remember but that doesn’t seem unfair.

They gave me free shipping code. I'll see what they say today. I expect everything to go smoothly.

Redbird5 · Jun 22, 2026

This morning I got a gift certificate and email response from Biota. A new mandarin is coming Wednesday. He'll be a bit bigger. Biota seems like a great company.

BryanM · Jun 22, 2026

Redbird5 said:
This morning I got a gift certificate and email response from Biota. A new mandarin is coming Wednesday. He'll be a bit bigger. Biota seems like a great company.

This is what I would have expected. Nice!