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📜 Terms & Conditions

Jason’s Plecos & Cichlids LLC
Last Updated: August 2026

Welcome to Jason’s Plecos & Cichlids LLC.

These Terms & Conditions apply to purchases made through our website, social media, email, local pickup, or other approved sales channels.

By placing an order with Jason’s Plecos & Cichlids LLC, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to these Terms & Conditions and the applicable policies referenced below.

If you do not agree with these terms, please do not place an order.


1. 🐟 Live Fish Are Living Animals

Customers understand that fish are living animals and that purchasing and transporting live animals involves risks that do not exist with ordinary merchandise.

Fish may react differently to:

  • Shipping stress
  • Water chemistry
  • Temperature
  • Acclimation
  • Diet
  • Tankmates
  • Aquarium conditions
  • Handling
  • Environmental changes

We make every reasonable effort to provide healthy fish and ship them safely, but no seller can guarantee how a fish will react after being introduced into another aquarium.


2. 🛒 Orders & Availability

All fish are subject to availability.

Because we sell live animals, inventory can change unexpectedly. A fish may become unavailable because of illness, injury, death, inventory error, or another condition that makes us believe the fish should not be shipped.

If a purchased fish becomes unavailable before shipment, we may contact you to offer an appropriate option, which may include:

  • A comparable fish
  • Another fish of your choosing
  • Store credit
  • A refund for the unavailable fish

We will not knowingly ship a fish that we believe is unfit for shipment.

Substitutions will not be made without customer approval unless clearly disclosed as part of the product being purchased.


3. 💲 Prices & Website Errors

All prices are listed in U.S. Dollars (USD) unless otherwise stated.

We make every reasonable effort to keep our website accurate, but errors can occur.

These may include:

  • Incorrect prices
  • Incorrect quantities
  • Incorrect photos or videos
  • Incorrect species names or identification
  • Incorrect fish sizes
  • Typographical errors
  • Duplicate listings
  • Inventory errors

Jason’s Plecos & Cichlids LLC reserves the right to correct obvious website, inventory, or pricing errors.

If an error materially affects an order that has already been placed, we will contact the customer to determine the appropriate resolution.

We are not required to complete a transaction at an obviously erroneous price caused by a website, data-entry, or system error, subject to applicable law.


4. 💳 Payment

Payment must be received and cleared before fish are shipped unless we have approved another arrangement in advance.

We currently accept:

  • PayPal
  • Zelle
  • Venmo
  • Cash App
  • Square
  • Cash — for approved local transactions only

Available payment options may vary by transaction.

We reserve the right to require a specific approved payment method for certain orders.

Sales tax may be collected when required by applicable law.


5. 🚚 Shipping

Live fish are shipped using approved expedited transportation methods.

Our primary shipping options include:

  • UPS Next Day Air
  • Southwest Airlines Cargo – Next Flight Guaranteed (NFG)
  • Delta Cargo when appropriate or necessary

Live fish normally ship Monday through Wednesday.

We do not schedule Saturday UPS deliveries.

Shipping may be postponed because of:

  • Extreme heat or cold
  • Severe weather
  • Carrier disruptions
  • Airline restrictions
  • Holiday congestion
  • Fish condition
  • Other circumstances that create an unreasonable risk to the fish

The health and safety of the fish come first.

Complete shipping information is available on our Shipping & Payment Information page.


6. 💰 Shipping Costs

Shipping is not included in the listed price of the fish unless specifically stated otherwise.

Shipping costs depend on factors such as destination, weight, box dimensions, number and size of fish, carrier rates, and number of boxes required.

UPS shipping is normally paid to Jason’s Plecos & Cichlids LLC before shipment.

Airline cargo charges are generally paid by the customer at the destination cargo facility unless another arrangement has been made.

Please see our Shipping & Payment Information page for complete details.


7. 📦 Tracking & Receiving Your Shipment

Customers are responsible for monitoring their shipment.

UPS

A tracking number will be provided when your shipping label is created.

Someone must be available to receive the shipment according to the requirements of our Live Arrival Guarantee & DOA Protection Policy.

Airline Cargo

An Air Waybill (AWB) number will be provided.

Customers must monitor the flight and cargo information and be prepared to pick up the shipment when it becomes available.

Flight times can change without notice.

Do not rely solely on an airline or carrier calling you.


8. 🚫 Customer-Requested Rerouting or Delivery Changes

Customers should not cancel, reroute, redirect, refuse, or change a live-fish shipment after it has been transferred to the carrier without first contacting us.

Customer-requested changes can significantly delay a shipment and place the fish at risk.

Losses caused by an unauthorized customer-requested reroute, refusal, missed delivery, or delayed pickup may not qualify for Live Arrival coverage.

Any resulting carrier charges, return fees, or additional shipping expenses may be the customer's responsibility when permitted by applicable law.


9. 🛡️ Live Arrival Guarantee & DOA Claims

Eligible live fish shipments are covered according to our current Live Arrival Guarantee & DOA Protection Policy.

That policy contains the complete requirements for:

  • UPS deliveries
  • Southwest Cargo and Delta Cargo pickups
  • Required unboxing video
  • Photographs
  • Claim deadlines
  • Carrier delays
  • Wrong-address deliveries
  • Fish reimbursements
  • Shipping reimbursements
  • Refund or store-credit options
  • Exclusions from coverage

The current Live Arrival Guarantee & DOA Protection Policy controls all live-arrival and DOA claims.

If information on another page conflicts with the DOA Policy regarding a live-arrival claim, the DOA Policy governs that claim.

Customers should review the DOA Policy before their fish are shipped, not after a problem occurs.


10. 🔄 Returns & Cancellations

All live fish sales are final once the fish have been shipped or picked up, except where our Live Arrival Guarantee, another written policy, or applicable law provides otherwise.

Live fish cannot be returned or exchanged after delivery because of the health and biosecurity risks involved with accepting livestock back into our systems.

Approved customer-requested cancellations made before shipment are subject to a 10% cancellation fee based on the purchase price of the fish, excluding shipping charges.

Once an order has been packed, processed for shipment, or transferred to a carrier, cancellation may no longer be possible.

Complete information is available in our Returns, Refunds & Cancellations Policy.


11. 💳 Payment Disputes & Chargebacks

If you believe there is a problem with an order or payment, please contact us first so we have an opportunity to investigate and resolve the issue.

Knowingly filing a false, fraudulent, or abusive payment dispute may result in refusal of future orders.

Nothing in these Terms is intended to remove any legitimate consumer rights provided by applicable law or by your payment provider.


12. 🐠 Customer Aquarium Responsibility

Customers are responsible for providing an aquarium suitable for the fish they purchase.

Before ordering, customers should research:

  • Adult fish size
  • Aquarium size requirements
  • Water parameters
  • Temperature requirements
  • Diet
  • Aggression
  • Tankmate compatibility
  • Special care requirements

Once a fish has arrived alive and Live Arrival coverage has been fulfilled, conditions inside the customer's aquarium are outside our control.

Jason’s Plecos & Cichlids LLC is not responsible for losses caused by unsuitable aquarium conditions, water quality, tankmates, aggression, improper care, or other post-arrival conditions except where required by applicable law.


13. 🧪 Quarantine

We strongly recommend quarantining every new fish, regardless of where it was purchased.

Fish may harbor parasites, bacteria, or other pathogens that are not immediately detectable.

Customers are responsible for protecting their existing livestock through appropriate quarantine and biosecurity practices.

Quarantine does not extend the Live Arrival Guarantee or DOA claim period.

Please review our Quarantine Your Fish page for additional information.


14. 🐟 Fish Size

Unless specifically stated otherwise, fish sizes listed on our website are approximate.

Fish are generally measured using total length from the front of the fish to the end of the tail.

Because fish are living animals:

  • They continue to grow
  • Individual sizes vary
  • Groups of fish may contain different sizes
  • Exact measurement is not always practical
  • Fish may be slightly larger or smaller than the listed estimate

A reasonable size variation does not qualify as a DOA claim.

If exact size is particularly important to you, please contact us before ordering.


15. 🎨 Color & Appearance

Fish coloration and appearance can change because of:

  • Stress
  • Age
  • Sex
  • Lighting
  • Diet
  • Water conditions
  • Breeding condition
  • Dominance
  • Shipping
  • Acclimation

Photos and videos are intended to represent the fish as accurately as reasonably possible, but an exact color match cannot be guaranteed.

Unless the listing specifically states otherwise, differences in normal coloration are not considered a DOA condition.


16. 🔬 Species Identification

We make good-faith efforts to identify our fish accurately.

Many rare imported fish can be difficult to identify, and exporters, importers, wholesalers, hobbyists, and scientific sources may use different names for the same fish.

Taxonomy and identification may also change as new scientific information becomes available.

When needed, we research fish and consult knowledgeable members of the aquarium community.

Unless specifically guaranteed in writing, species identification represents our best reasonable identification based on the information available at the time of sale.

If you believe you received a materially different species from the one ordered, contact us with clear photographs and supporting information so we can review the issue.


17. ♂️♀️ Sex of Fish

We do not guarantee the sex of a fish unless the listing specifically states that the fish is being sold as a confirmed male or female.

Many species cannot be accurately sexed when young, outside breeding condition, or without specialized examination.

Customer assumptions about sex do not create a guarantee.


18. 🐟 Compatibility & Aggression

Fish are living animals with individual behavior.

We cannot guarantee that two fish will be compatible simply because members of those species are commonly kept together.

Customers assume responsibility for:

  • Tankmate selection
  • Aggression
  • Territorial behavior
  • Predation
  • Breeding aggression
  • Size differences between tankmates

Losses caused by aggression or incompatible tankmates are not DOA claims.


19. 🩹 Minor Blemishes

Live fish may occasionally have minor scratches, fin damage, or temporary blemishes caused by normal handling, catching, transportation, or interactions with other fish.

We will not knowingly ship a fish with a serious injury that we believe makes it unsafe to transport.

Minor cosmetic blemishes that do not materially affect the health of the fish are not considered DOA.


20. ⚠️ Fish Capable of Causing Injury

Some species sold in the aquarium hobby have:

  • Sharp spines
  • Teeth
  • Venomous or irritating spines
  • Powerful jaws
  • Defensive behavior
  • Large adult size

Customers are responsible for researching and safely handling the species they purchase.

Use appropriate equipment and precautions when handling potentially dangerous fish.


21. 🌎 Legal Ownership & Species Restrictions

Customers are responsible for determining whether a fish can legally be:

  • Purchased
  • Possessed
  • Transported
  • Imported
  • Kept

at their destination.

Laws and regulations can vary by state, county, city, or other jurisdiction and may change.

We reserve the right to refuse or cancel an order when we believe a shipment would violate applicable laws or carrier restrictions.

Any cancellation or refund will be handled according to our policies and applicable law.


22. 🚫 Never Release Aquarium Fish Into the Wild

Aquarium fish must never be released into local waterways or the environment.

Released fish can:

  • Become invasive
  • Spread disease
  • Damage native ecosystems
  • Harm native wildlife
  • Violate state or federal law

If you can no longer care for a fish, contact an aquarium store, hobbyist, rescue organization, or appropriate local authority for responsible options.


23. 📅 Preorders

Some fish may occasionally be offered as preorders before they arrive at our facility.

A preorder does not guarantee that the fish will successfully arrive at our facility from the breeder, exporter, importer, or supplier.

Delays can occur because of:

  • Export schedules
  • Import inspections
  • Airline availability
  • Supplier availability
  • Fish condition
  • Customs or regulatory issues
  • International transportation

If a preordered fish becomes unavailable, we will provide an appropriate option such as another fish, store credit, or refund of the unavailable fish.

Photos or videos used for preorder listings may be representative examples when the actual fish has not yet arrived.


24. ⏸️ Holds, Deposits & Special Orders

Fish are not considered held unless we specifically agree to a hold and any required deposit or payment has been received.

Any special hold, deposit, layaway, or special-order terms provided at the time of the arrangement become part of that transaction.

Customers should not assume a fish will remain available without an approved arrangement.

Special-order availability is never guaranteed until the fish is actually obtained.


25. 🎁 Promotions, Coupons & Giveaways

Promotions, coupons, giveaways, contests, and special offers may have additional terms.

Unless otherwise stated:

  • Offers cannot be combined
  • Discounts have no cash value
  • Expired promotions cannot be applied retroactively
  • Promotions may be limited by inventory
  • Promotional terms may be changed or discontinued when permitted by law

Any special Live Arrival terms associated with a giveaway or promotion will be disclosed with that promotion.


26. 📍 Local Pickup

Local pickup is available in Union, Kentucky by appointment only.

Our fish facility is located at a private residence and is not a walk-in retail store.

Customers must:

  • Place their order through our website or another approved method
  • Arrange a pickup date and time
  • Receive confirmation before arriving

No walk-ins or unapproved fish browsing are permitted.

Please do not arrive without a confirmed appointment.


27. 📱 Photos, Videos & Social Media

We may post general, non-sensitive information about fish sales on our website or social media, such as:

  • Species sold
  • Photos or videos of the fish
  • General destination such as a state or region

We do not intend to publicly disclose customer payment information, private contact information, or other sensitive personal information.

Customer photos, testimonials, messages, or other personally identifying content will be handled consistently with applicable law and our Privacy Policy.


28. 🔐 Privacy

Information collected through our website and transactions is handled according to our Privacy Policy and the practices of our website, payment, and shipping providers.

Please review our Privacy Policy for additional information.


29. ⚖️ Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Jason’s Plecos & Cichlids LLC is not responsible for indirect, incidental, special, or consequential losses arising from aquarium conditions, compatibility, customer handling, unlawful possession, carrier actions, or other circumstances outside our reasonable control.

Any reimbursement involving live arrival or shipping is governed by our Live Arrival Guarantee & DOA Protection Policy.

Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits liability that cannot legally be excluded or limited.


30. 📄 Relationship Between Our Policies

These Terms & Conditions work together with our:

  • Live Arrival Guarantee & DOA Protection Policy
  • Shipping & Payment Information
  • Returns, Refunds & Cancellations Policy
  • Quarantine Your Fish
  • Privacy Policy

Each specific policy controls the subject it addresses.

For example:

DOA or live-arrival issue → Live Arrival Guarantee & DOA Protection Policy

Shipping or payment question → Shipping & Payment Information

Cancellation or return question → Returns, Refunds & Cancellations Policy

Privacy question → Privacy Policy

These Terms provide the overall rules governing purchases from Jason’s Plecos & Cichlids LLC.

Applicable law controls if any portion of these policies conflicts with a legal requirement that cannot be waived.


31. 📝 Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms & Conditions from time to time to reflect changes in our business, shipping practices, carriers, website, or applicable requirements.

The current version will be posted on our website with an updated revision date.

Unless applicable law requires otherwise, the terms in effect when an order is placed will generally govern that transaction.


32. ⚖️ Governing Law

To the extent permitted by applicable law, these Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Nothing in these Terms is intended to eliminate consumer rights or protections that cannot legally be waived.


33. ✂️ Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue to apply to the extent permitted by law.


34. ✅ Acceptance of Terms

By completing a purchase from Jason’s Plecos & Cichlids LLC, you acknowledge that you have had the opportunity to review these Terms and all applicable policies before purchasing.

Failure to read the policies does not by itself change the terms applicable to an order, subject to applicable law.

If you have questions about a fish, shipping, payment, or one of our policies, please contact us before placing your order.


📞 Contact Us

Jason’s Plecos & Cichlids LLC

📍 Union, Kentucky

📱 Text-Only Number: 859-305-3281

📧 Email: JasonsPlecosCichlids@Outlook.com

🌐 Website: www.JasonsPlecosCichlids.com

Serving the aquarium hobby since 2017.

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