Shipping FAQ

Where do you ship?

We currently ship domestically within the United States only. Please note that we cannot ship to P.O. Boxes or freight-forwarding addresses, as live fish cannot be safely delivered to these locations.

What are your shipping rates?

We ship via USPS Priority Mail. Shipping rates are calculated at checkout based on your order. We offer the following options:

  • Standard Shipping — $8.00
  • Free Standard Shipping — on orders of $70.00 or more
  • Express Shipping — $15.00

When do you ship?

To ensure the safest possible transit, we only ship Monday through Wednesday. This prevents fish from sitting in transit facilities over the weekend. Orders placed later in the week will ship during the following shipping window.

How long does processing take?

Orders are typically processed and shipped within 1–3 business days of purchase. Fish are fasted for 24–48 hours prior to shipping to reduce stress and maintain water quality during transit.

What are weather holds?

Fish are living animals, and extreme temperatures can be fatal during shipping. We monitor weather conditions along the shipping route and reserve the right to delay an order if:

  • The overnight low temperature at the origin or destination falls below 20°F, or
  • The daytime high temperature at the origin or destination exceeds 95°F

If your order is placed on hold due to weather, we will notify you and ship as soon as conditions are safe. We appreciate your patience — this policy exists to protect the health of your fish.

How are fish packaged?

All fish are carefully packed in breather bags with adequate water, insulated to protect against temperature extremes, and include a heat or cold pack when seasonally necessary. We take every precaution to ensure your fish arrive healthy and stress-free.

Do you offer a Live Arrival Guarantee?

Yes! We guarantee live arrival of all fish. If any fish arrive deceased, the following conditions apply:

  • You must photograph the deceased fish while still inside the sealed, unopened shipping bag.
  • Photos must be taken and emailed to us within 2 hours of the delivery time shown on your tracking information.
  • Claims submitted after this window, or without photo evidence of the sealed bag, cannot be honored.

If a valid DOA claim is submitted, we will issue store credit equal to the value of the deceased fish. Shipping costs are non-refundable.

When does the Live Arrival Guarantee not apply?

The guarantee does not apply if:

  • The buyer declines or ignores a recommended weather hold
  • An incorrect or incomplete shipping address was provided at checkout
  • The package was left in an unsafe location (e.g., direct sun, extreme heat/cold) after delivery and not brought inside promptly
  • The order is shipped to a P.O. Box or freight-forwarding address

What if my shipment is delayed by the carrier?

We are not responsible for carrier delays once a package has been shipped. However, if a significant carrier delay affects the health of your fish upon arrival, please contact us with photo evidence and we will review on a case-by-case basis.

Questions?

If you have any questions about an order or a DOA claim, please reach out via chat or our contact page — we're happy to help make it right.