So last Friday I had a fish shipped to me from a member of another forum. It was his first time shipping fish and my first time receiving a shipped fish. After much research, he gathered all the needed material and sent the package via USPS Next Day delivery. The pAckage arrived at my door within 24 hours. But my heart sank when the postman told me the package had been damaged in shipment. They had wrapped it in a big plastic bag. The box was soaked thru on one end and there was a big hole in it. Luckily the fish bag was still in it but most of the packing material had fallen out as well as one of the heat packs. The other heat pack,was still in the box but haD failed due to getting wet. My thought was that the bag had broken open and leaked all over. But it was intact. The fish was double bagged with the inner bag being covered in duct tape on the outside to help prevent leakage. Some water did leak into the outer bag, most likely thru the ties which were intact and still tight. I opened the bag expecting a dead fish since the water was so cold. First I saw no movement, then a slight twitch. She was alive! I got her into my QT tank and she sank to the bottom, gasped and twitched then laid there barely breathing. I turned off the light and let her be. An hour and a half later she's up and swimming around! Tough girl! The fish is a Paratilapia Bleekeri, about 5.5-6" and gorgeous. Her fins were a bit frayed but they are improving everyday. I caring to think about if that package had been delayed any the outcome would probably much more tragic. That bag waS close to falling out that hole in the box. Anyway, just wanted to share my experience. Couple things I learned if I ever shop a fish:
1. Duct taping the inner bag....a very good idea. And also at least double bag. Especially when shipping larger fish.
2. Pack the box tightly with packing so the bag does not move around. And use the smallest box that will fit the bag.
3. Tape the heat pack to the lid of the box and cut a hole around the Styrofoam so air can circulate. Then put a piece of fabric between the heat pack and the bag
4. Tape up all the seams on the packing box. This could hAve helped prevent anything falling out.
1. Duct taping the inner bag....a very good idea. And also at least double bag. Especially when shipping larger fish.
2. Pack the box tightly with packing so the bag does not move around. And use the smallest box that will fit the bag.
3. Tape the heat pack to the lid of the box and cut a hole around the Styrofoam so air can circulate. Then put a piece of fabric between the heat pack and the bag
4. Tape up all the seams on the packing box. This could hAve helped prevent anything falling out.