Shipping aquarium fish can feel intimidating, but with the right preparation and packing methods, it can be done safely and reliably. Whether you need to ship tropical fish safely across the U.S. or send marine livestock abroad through an international aquarium fish shipping guide, the principles remain the same: protect the fish, minimize stress, and plan for a smooth journey.
In this article, we’ll cover step-by-step how to ship live aquarium fish—both freshwater and saltwater—domestically and internationally.
Preparing Fish Before Shipping
How to Ship Tropical Fish Safely: Pre-Shipment Care
- Fast the fish: Avoid feeding 24–48 hours before shipment for tropical species and up to 72 hours for saltwater fish. This reduces ammonia buildup.
- Choose only healthy fish: Never ship fish showing signs of illness, parasites, or stress.
- Dim lighting and lower metabolism: Reduce stress by acclimating fish in subdued lighting and slightly cooler water before shipping.
Saltwater vs. Freshwater Preparation
- Tropical freshwater fish (guppies, mollies, tetras) tolerate shipping better but still require fasting and clean, oxygen-rich water.
- Saltwater fish are highly sensitive to ammonia, temperature swings, and low oxygen levels. Always use ammonia neutralizers and stable salinity.
Materials Needed for Shipping Aquarium Fish
Essential Supplies for Shipping Tropical and Saltwater Fish
- Fish shipping bags (2–3 layers for safety).
- Compressed oxygen for longer trips.
- Ammonia neutralizers and pH stabilizers to protect water quality.
- Styrofoam box liners for insulation.
- Heat or cold packs depending on season.
- Strong cardboard shipping boxes with “LIVE FISH” labels.
Oxygen vs. Air in Fish Bags
- Domestic shipments (24–48 hours): Air may suffice, but oxygen is always better.
- International shipments (72+ hours): Pure oxygen is essential to keep fish alive.
Packing Aquarium Fish Correctly
Bagging Fish for Safe Shipment
- Fill shipping bag with 1/3 water, 2/3 oxygen.
- Double or triple bag to prevent leaks.
- Use round-bottom or breather bags when available.
- Group schooling fish together, but always ship aggressive species (bettas, cichlids) individually.
Shipping Saltwater Fish vs. Tropical Fish
- Ship live saltwater fish in larger bags with more oxygen.
- Use ammonia detoxifiers for marine species since ammonia toxicity is more pronounced.
- For corals and invertebrates, ship in damp packaging or minimal water to prevent sloshing damage.
Domestic Aquarium Fish Shipping in the U.S.
Choosing the Best Carrier for Tropical Fish Shipments
- USPS Priority Mail Express: Popular for hobbyists (1–2 days).
- UPS Next Day Air & FedEx Priority Overnight: More reliable for guaranteed delivery.
Best Practices for Domestic Fish Shipping
- Ship Monday–Wednesday to avoid weekend delays.
- Always provide tracking to the recipient.
- If possible, ship to a carrier hub for pickup instead of home delivery to avoid exposure in trucks.
International Aquarium Fish Shipping Guide
Understanding Legal Requirements
When exporting or importing aquarium fish:
- CITES regulations apply for certain species (especially saltwater fish and corals).
- Import/export permits are often required.
- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) oversees live animal exports.
- Most countries require veterinary health certificates stating fish are disease-free.
How to Ship Aquarium Fish Internationally
- Use professional-grade fish shipping bags with oxygen.
- Increase water volume per fish for longer survival.
- Insulate heavily with Styrofoam and temperature packs.
- Choose air freight under IATA Live Animal Regulations for bulk shipments.
- Smaller hobby shipments can use DHL or FedEx International, but customs delays must be considered.
Freshwater vs. Saltwater Aquarium Fish Shipping
How to Ship Tropical Freshwater Fish Safely
- Most freshwater fish ship well if properly fasted.
- Use stress coat additives to protect slime coats.
- Community fish like livebearers and tetras can often be shipped in groups.
How to Ship Live Saltwater Fish
- Saltwater fish require more oxygen and careful handling.
- Species like tangs and butterflyfish are delicate and need larger bags.
- Always include ammonia neutralizers for marine shipments.
Corals and Invertebrates
- Corals: Ship wrapped in damp towels or minimal water.
- Shrimp and snails: Use less water, more oxygen.
- Starfish and urchins: Pack carefully to avoid punctures.
Costs of Shipping Aquarium Fish (2025)
Domestic Fish Shipping Costs
- Overnight shipping: $40–$100 depending on carrier and box size.
- Materials (bags, Styrofoam, heat packs): $5–$15 per shipment.
International Fish Shipping Costs
- Freight costs: several hundred dollars depending on weight and destination.
- Veterinary certificates and permits: $100–$300.
- Customs fees and import duties vary by country.
Common Mistakes in Aquarium Fish Shipping
- Feeding fish before shipment (causes ammonia spike).
- Overfilling bags with water, leaving too little oxygen.
- Shipping without insulation or temperature control.
- Failing to check carrier and import/export regulations.
- Shipping near weekends or holidays, risking delays.
Receiving Shipped Aquarium Fish
Safe Acclimation of Shipped Fish
- Float sealed bag in tank to equalize temperature.
- Open bag and drip-acclimate fish slowly (especially saltwater species).
- Discard shipping water—never pour into your tank.
- Keep lights dim for 24 hours to reduce stress.
- Monitor for disease or stress symptoms.
Final Thoughts: How to Ship Aquarium Fish Successfully
Shipping live fish is a responsibility. Whether you’re sending guppies to a fellow hobbyist or exporting exotic marine livestock abroad, following a structured process ensures the animals arrive healthy.
- For tropical freshwater fish: fasting, clean water, and adequate oxygen are usually enough.
- To ship live saltwater fish safely: prioritize oxygen, ammonia control, and strict temperature management.
- For international shipments: permits, paperwork, and professional freight methods are essential.
By understanding how to ship tropical fish safely and following this international aquarium fish shipping guide, you can confidently share your passion for aquatics while keeping fish health the top priority.
Other DIYA Contact Team Posts:
Live Aquarium Food Cultures and Sustainable Cultivation
Ditch the Stick: Why an Aquarium Temperature Gun is Your New Best Friend
Hello. This is very helpful. I live in Jamaica, and I know that there is a process to receive saltwater livestock shipments. Do you know of any institutions that I could contact that would be willing to ship these to me here?