Picasso Clowns - You decide on th quality?

[jaysreef]

I wanted to get everyone’s opinion on the quality of livestock that I received from saltwaterfish.com. I am really disappointed with the Picasso’s that I received and am just as disappointed in the less than stellar customer service that I received. I emailed the company prior to ordering and was told that they only carry Class “A” Picassos.
The bottom clown is fair as the middle stripe almost connects to the 3rd stripe. The top clown is very disappointing. The middle band is slightly wider, but nothing special. I sent picks to customer service and they said the pic was forwarded to ORA for them to review. I was told that ORA responded saying that both clowns appear to be Class “A” specimens. I have seen better markings on Class’B” Picasso’s locally and could have purchased them much cheaper in price.
I have seen many pics from members that received Picasso’s with outstanding markings that were purchased at SWF. All I was asking for was that the company replace the fish in the top pick. I got denied as they said I received what I ordered. I guess I learned my lesson about buying fish without seeing them first. I have placed quite a few orders over the years and have organized group orders in my local forum. I may not order again due to the poor service I received this time around.
Did I have my expectations set too high?

 

[hexedagain1]

I would say the bottom one is a grade A, but the top one is a grade B.
JMO.

 

[robdog696]

Buying fish that you cannot see is hit or miss. It's a risk every time. I will generally only buy fish from sections similar to SWF.com's "Eye It And Buy It". Unfortunately, SWF.com does not have much variety in that section. I have repeatedly asked that they improve that portion of their business. They don't seem interested in doing so at this time. I cannot direct you to competitors websites, but there is one that sells "What You See Is What You Get" ORA tank raised Picasso Clownfish sometimes.

 

[regina13]

I would be very disapointed in the top one. The bottom looks like gradeA but the top is nothing close to a nice gradeA. I don't even know about a gradeB.

 

[demartini]

You are definitely taking a chance when you purchase picasso clowns online. I got pretty lucky with the two I ordered from SWF a while ago. I do like the way both of yours look... how does the other side of the top picasso look?

 

[kornele23]

I second the question DeMartini asked: What does the other side of the top Picasso look like. Are the 2nd and 3rd bars closer together. Only one side has to connect, but I'm sure you already know that. thanks

 

[mr.clownfish]

imo
i think they are great looking

but i think that if a BW perc was mixed it would have been 10 times more nicer.
thats like grade AA

 

[spiderwoman]

I'm sorry but I don't see what you are complaining about

. Both of those look absolutely great! You do realize that the sides keep changing as they grow up. I'd be very happy with those and definitely consider them Grade A+.

 

[jaysreef]

Thanks all for the input. I picked up a new pair that a local LFS happened to get in over the weekend. The new pair look incredible. He also called ORA while I was there and talked to a rep and explained the difference between the A and B grade Picasso's. Grade A clowns do not necessarily have to have connecting stripes. The rep said it is up to the breeder as they are pulling them out their systems. It is just personal preference. The rep explained that it is even possible to have a Grade B clown that potentially looks better than a Grade A.
Before anyone asks, the old pair went to their new home today.