They are related to both since they are all anabantoids and in the same family, but they are definitely their own species.
At the very least, I would not trust that LFSs advice in the future. They might be ignorant about the ins and outs of fish relation, but they might at least know about basic fish care. You don't have to know the exact species name of a fish to be able to give proper care in the form of high quality food and water changes, etc. Heck, I recently made the mistake of saying cories were basically plant-eaters when they are omnivorous (thanks to whoever clarified that!). I just didn't know because I've never personally kept them. Ask me about figure 8 puffers, and I can tell you almost anything, lol.
At the very least, I would not trust that LFSs advice in the future. They might be ignorant about the ins and outs of fish relation, but they might at least know about basic fish care. You don't have to know the exact species name of a fish to be able to give proper care in the form of high quality food and water changes, etc. Heck, I recently made the mistake of saying cories were basically plant-eaters when they are omnivorous (thanks to whoever clarified that!). I just didn't know because I've never personally kept them. Ask me about figure 8 puffers, and I can tell you almost anything, lol.