Shipping Fish and Inverts

[nynikki]

I would just like to get some opinions and personal experiences on this topic. I have been tempted to order some of my fish, snails, shrimp, & frogs online, but I just can't help but think how scary it has got to be for these little critters in a dark box being tossed about. Another consideration is that it was 109 down here yesterday and if they are left in the back of a FedEx truck, they may literally cook! Though the Online store that I am planning to order from ships out of AZ and should be aware of this problem.

On the side and sort of off topic, has anyone kept African Dwarf Frogs? Not the Dwarf African Clawed Frog. Just wondering what opinions there were about them?

 

[Weezer]

There are a few people on this site that sell and ship fish, this site http://www.liveaquaria.com/ seems to be reputable and some people here have used them ..........

 

[Hooked Newbie]

I've had the same questions and concerns about the heat and so far have been lucky, but I've only purchased online from the classifieds here so far. Most of what I've read on the sites shipping info pages says that the reputable sites include a heat or cold pack as appropriate.

 

[jm1212]

liveaquaria does a good job.

 

[kimmisc]

I ordered most of my fish and inverts online. For starters, the darkness isn't going to stress the fish. Darkness lessens stress for fish actually. That is why some recommend leaving aquarium lights off for the first day you add new fish.

The main concern should be temperatures, packaging, and speed of shipment. Reputable dealers do a good job of packaging fish for shipment, including heat or cold packs as needed. Always choose the fastest shipment option, and make sure you're available to accept the fish when they arrive. The boxes will be marked "fragile" on all sides, and I haven't received any boxes that have looked like they've been bashed up. Whether or not they get tossed.... they probably do I guess. Would a hoop through the air that lasts 1-2 seconds be any more stressful to fish than being netted and bagged? Keep in mind that most fish go through shipping at some point in their lives unless you're driving straight to a breeder's house to pick up fish.

If you're uncomfortable with shipping during extreme temperatures, or if you can't be at home to receive the shipment immediately, just wait a few weeks. Fall is right around the corner.