Juvenile Starburst Axolotl | A0041
Please read all relevant shipping information in the dropdown tabs below before continuing to checkout
Live Aquatics Policy:
I wish we could say that we have a 100% success rate on our shipments, but with shipping live fish there is always a small risk of a fish nor surviving the trip. We try our best to pack our fish as safely as possible, which has resulted in a 97-99% success rate based on the season.
In the rare case of a DOA (dead on arrival) occurring, please follow these steps to submit a claim VIA email to info@pwbettas.com
- Do not open the bag
- Please take a clear photo of the entire bag (showing the fastening on the bag as well) with the fish inside the bag visible. You may submit multiple photos
- Send these images within 2hr of delivery to our email. We will confirm this timeframe with the tracking information, no exceptions.
In cases of DOA we will issue store credit for the cost of the fish that can be used for future purchase at PNWBettas.com
Shipping is non-refundable as the entire fee spent swords shipping is used when the order is fulfilled.
Because we cannot control your aquariums or water parameters, there is no guarantee/warranty on fish after they arrive in good health.
If you believe the fish you have received is not in good health for any reason please reach out to us by the end of the delivery day and provide photos along with your concerns. Keep in mind, the fish being pale is normal after shipping. It can be a stressful process and they may take some time to get used to their new home.
Live Invertebrates Policy:
Shrimp may be shipped in breather bags, which allow oxygen and CO2 to pass through the bag, but not water. These bags may be slightly opaque.
In the case of a DOA (dead on arrival) occurring, please follow these steps to submit a claim VIA email to info@pwbettas.com
- Do not open the bag
- Please take a clear photo of the entire bag (showing the fastening on the bag as well) with the fish inside the bag visible. You may submit multiple photos, including a photo of any DOA shrimp in your acclimation container. You still MUST include at least one image of the dead shrimp in the closed bag as well.
- Send these images within 2hr of delivery to our email. We will confirm this timeframe with the tracking information, no exceptions.
Snails may be shipped "dry" which means they are in a wet paper trowel in a container rather then a bag of water. To determine that your snail(s) have arrived alive remove them from the packaging and inspect their shells for any damage.
Smell the snails to ensure there is no foul odor coming from them (this is the tell tail sign of a DOA snail). Place them into a separate container and wait for them to come out of their shells to place into your aquarium
In the case of a DOA snail (bad smell) or wont come out of the shell for over 24hr, please email us at info@pnwbettas.com. Damage shell DOA claims must be made within 2hr of delivery.
Live Plants Arrive Alive Guarantee:
We guarantee the arrival of your plants in good condition. There may be a few dead leaves or mild melting after shipping which is standard when having live plants shipped. If your plants arrive with anything more then mild melting or other shipping stress, reach out to us for a full refund for the cost of the DOA (dead on arrival) plant. Shipping is non-refundable for live plants.
Email us at info@pnwbettas.com with photos of your aquatic plant(s) within 6hr of delivery to make a DOA claim. The delivery time is determined by the tracking, which we will check to confirm the timeframe.
Other shipping information:
Make sure to read all other relevant shipping information for your order
We offer a verity of shipping methods for live fish and other aquarium products. Please review the information below to learn more about each method and choose the best shipping method for you
USPS Priority: 2-4 day delivery
This method is our most economical shipping method, and provides delivery within 2-4 days after the ship date. USPS does not guarantee the delivery day for this method, so your order could arrive Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday depending on your distance from our origin (Corvallis OR) and USPS.
Most boxes arrive Wednesday or Thursday, but delays can cause a Friday or longer delivery if a delay occurs.
This method is limited to our more hardy species such as betta fish, snails, shrimp, and live plants.
This method is best used during the summer/spring months where heat packs are not needed to ensure safe delivery.
Please note we have a limited arrive alive guarantee for USPS Priority shipments due to these limitations. For boxes that are delivered after Thursday (or are in transit for longer the 4 days) we cannot offer an arrive alive guarantee or DOA policy.
UPS Next Day Air Saver: Overnight Delivery (by the end of the day)
This is a more expensive shipping method, but UPS will guarantee delivery next day, by the end of the day. We use this method for all species, and for some species this may be the only method we offer.
Having next day delivery is recommended during the winter months, since even in the case of a 2-day delay, the heat pack will still be active.
Even in the case of lost or severely delayed shipments we will cover you under our DOA policy with any UPS Next Day Air shipping method, so long as you follow the other DOA claim requirements.
UPS Next Day Air: Overnight Delivery by 10:30am - 12pm to most locations
This is a more expensive shipping method, but UPS will guarantee delivery next day, by 10:30-12pm to most locations. This method is also great for more time sensitive deliveries or individuals with tight schedules. We use this method for all species, and for some species this may be the only method we offer.
Having next day delivery is recommended during the winter months, since even in the case of a 2-day delay, the heat pack will still be active.
Even in the case of lost or severely delayed shipments we will cover you under our DOA policy with any UPS Next Day Air shipping method, so long as you follow the other DOA claim requirements.
UPS Next Day Air Early: Overnight Delivery by 8:30 - 9:00am to most locations
This is a more expensive shipping method, but UPS will guarantee delivery next day, by 10:30-12pm to most locations. This method is also great for more time sensitive deliveries or individuals with tight schedules. We use this method for all species, and for some species this may be the only method we offer.
Having next day delivery is recommended during the winter months, since even in the case of a 2-day delay, the heat pack will still be active.
Even in the case of lost or severely delayed shipments we will cover you under our DOA policy with any UPS Next Day Air shipping method, so long as you follow the other DOA claim requirements.
When shipping live fish we have to be mindful of the temperature we are shipping in. This not only includes the delivery location temperatures but also our origin temperatures as well. While we as the experts will make all final calls on shipping, and determinations on if heat pack/cold packs are necessary, we do ask customers to check their local temperatures before ordering live fish.
Cold Weather Shipping
When temps drop below 50 degrees as a low we generally will ship with a heat pack in the box. There may be some variation on this rule depending on our temperatures and the highs as well.
We use 72hr UniHeat shipping warmers, as they have a long lifespan and do not spike too hot (other warmers spike upwards of 150 degrees, and don't have as stable of a temperature during their lifespan)
- If your weather is below 32 degrees as a low, we recommend shipping with UPS Next Day Air methods only.
- If your temperatures are below 25 degrees as a low, please wait to order live fish or plants until it is warmer.
Warm Weather Shipping
During the late spring and summer months shipping will be limited based on the temperatures.
- If your weather is above 85 degrees as a high, we recommend shipping with UPS Next Day Air methods only.
- If your weather is above 95 degrees as a high, we will only ship with UPS Next Day Air Delivery.
- If your temperatures are above 100 degrees as a high, please wait to order live fish or plants until it cools down in your area.
PNW Bettas may remove delivery to certain states during the summer months to prevent cancelations on areas that are too warm to ship too.
Heat Pack/Cold Pack Usage
PNW Bettas will make all determinations on if heat packs or cold packs are needed for shipping, and they will be included at no extra cost.
Cold packs are only used with tropical fish when the origin (Corvallis, OR) is above safe shipping temperatures. They will melt before arriving at the destination and therefor cannot be used to aid in delivery in a hot location.
Shipping Boxes
We ship in styrofoam insulated boxes with a minimum of 1' thick insulation to help prevent temp fluctuations and protect against colder or warmer weather.
Tail Biting:
Long-finned bettas including halfmoons, doubletail halfmoons, veiltails, and crowntails can reach their tails and therefor it is a possibility for them to bite their fins during shipping. PWW Bettas is not responsible for tail biting once shipped, and will not apply any refunds or credits as a result.
If your fish bites its tail after being photographed but before being shipped, we will reach out to you before shipping and offer cancelation or an exchange for a different fish. We will never send a fish that has tail bitten without the buyer being aware.
Bettas tails will re-grow when bitten.
Age
Bettas are imported between 4-6 months of age from our breeders. We compete a brief quarantine and preventative medication process before listing and shipping the bettas. Most bettas are listed on our website within 2-4 weeks of being imported.
Marbling
Any type of betta that has marbling which can include "marble", "koi", "fancy", "bi-color" colorations can change colors. We sell young bettas generally between 4-6 months of age, which means their color can continue to develop as they age.
We have no control over how a fish marbles after purchase, but if the marbling is significant between the time the fish is photographed and the time we ship to you, we will reach out and give updated photos to ensure the buyer is aware.
Betta Images
Any bettas that are listed with a number code (such as M1234) are individually photographed. This means we ship the exact fish in the photo. Some bettas such as wild types may be sold under sample images. These listings have no number codes associated with them in the listing title. These sample images are taken by us in house from our stocking. This is done due to there being little variation between individual fish of that type. The fish that is shipping will look like the photo besides minor variation among individuals.
Pet Only
Our axolotls are sources from local breeders in Oregon and are available for shipping. Please read all the information below for their care needs and shipping information! These are listed as "what you see is what you get". We will ship the exact axolotl in the photos.
We do NOT ship to the following states: Hawaii, Maine, California, New Jersey, and New Mexico.
Axolotls will ship with UPS Next Day Air only for safety. Due to their temperature needs they will be shipped with cold packs if temps are warm. Combined shipping is not available with bettas or other tropical fish, they will ship in separate boxes.
Basic Care Information
| Min. Tank Size | 30 gal. |
| Temperature | 60-68 F (must stay below 70) |
| Diet | Carnivores |
| pH | 6.5-7.5 |
| Adult Size | 10-12' |
| Origin |
Captive Bred in OR |
Basic Axolotl Care Guide
Axolotls are unique and adorable creatures in the aquarium hobby! While they are fully aquatic, they are not fish at all, rather they are amphibians. Axolotls will require a specific tank setup and maintenance to ensure their health and well being.
Tank Size: A 30 tank is suitable for one axolotl, with an additional 10 gallons for each additional axolotl. Floor Space is far more important than volume, Having more length or width to your tank is preferred over height. Bigger aquariums are always going to require less maintenance to maintain water quality, therefor will always be recommended.
Substrate: Absolutely no gravel or rocks smaller than your fist. Axolotls can ingest small rocks which cannot be passed and can cause serious harm or death. Bare bottom or a very fine sand can be used as a substrate. Adhesive free tile or slate can also be used as a substitute to a loose substrate. Your axolotl should be 5”+ before going onto any loose substrate.
Filtration: Axolotls are sensitive to strong water flow, so choose a low-flow filtration system to prevent stress or injury.
Water Parameters: Maintain water temperature between 60-68°F (15-20°C), pH level approximately neutral,, and ammonia/nitrite levels at zero. Some individuals may require an aquarium chiller to maintain the colder water temps. These are quite expensive. Using a room AC unit or fan to blow across the water can help lower water temp as well,
Lighting:
Axolotls are sensitive to light, so provide subdued lighting or use a dim light source. Avoid direct sunlight as it can promote algae growth.
Feeding:
Axolotls are carnivorous and primarily eat live or frozen foods. Suitable food items include nightcrawlers, red wigglers, and pellets specifically designed for axolotls. Frozen bloodworms should be a treat only. Feed them 4-5 times a week, adjusting the quantity based on the axolotl's size and age.
Handling:
Avoid excessive handling, as axolotls have delicate skin and can easily become stressed. If necessary, gently support them under the body to prevent injury.
Tank Maintenance:
Perform regular water changes (20%-50% every 1-2 weeks depending on tank size) to maintain water quality. Siphon debris from the substrate during water changes. A turkey baster can also be used to spot clean.
Enrichment:
Axolotls are curious and benefit from simple enrichment. You can add PVC pipes, PVC fittings, or ceramic decorations for them to explore and hide in. Silk plants or real plants are recommended. If doing real plants keep in mind the colder water compatibility.
Health Care:
Monitor your axolotl's behavior, appetite, and overall appearance. If you notice any signs of illness (cloudy eyes, sores, unusual behavior), consult with a veterinarian experienced in amphibian care. Quarantine new axolotls before introducing them to an existing tank to prevent the spread of diseases. Please ensure you have access to a local vet before purchasing an axolotl. ARAV has a wonderful recourses for searching local exotic vets which can be found here.