Q&A for How to Transport Fish

A long-distance move is one requiring multiple hours to arrive. This only applies to this article, though.

Most fish can acclimate within their safe range. Temperature changes should be gradual, and as you're moving them, they'll have been through some change already. If your home temperature will be generally warmer, your tank heaters will have less work to maintain the same temperature.

Not longer than a day or two.

You'll know when your fish is stressed or upset as it tends to breathe faster and stay still. Fish are covered with a protective slime coating and if they get stressed, they make less and become prone to infection. Added to that, stress makes their immune system weaker. Once back in their home, you must keep the lights off to keep them calm and reduce the amount of noise and movement in the fish room so they can recover. You can also add some fish anti-stress remedies, though I'm not sure how effective they are.

Use a bucket with a lid to transport it. If it's extra big, it might cost a little to move it, using a whale hammock, a truck, and a lot of aquarium water.

It depends on the airline regulations. If the fish is not allowed on the plane, which is sometimes the case, you can mail them to yourself.

It really depends on the way you take care of your fish while the transport occurs. If all you do is stick it in the bag and leave it there for two days, it will mostly likely pass on. However, if you check on your fish regularly and ensure that it has everything it needs, it is more likely to survive.

Yes, just don't keep it in the bag any longer than necessary, and make sure there is plenty of air in the bag (it shouldn't be completely filled with water).

Use a closed bag. Make sure to transfer the fish to the tank as quickly and smooth as possible when you get home.

If only an hour journey, they should be fine in the bag provided by the store. Just make sure you tell the guy in the store that’s what you're doing.

Someone would need to take care of the fish, including feeding and cleaning the tank. Find a friend who is willing to take the time to care for the fish.

As long as your trip doesn't take more than a day they can survive. Otherwise you might need to set up the tank in a hotel.

Only If you have a container big enough for them. I would suggest getting a 20 gallon storage unit and put only one in each. Always have someone with you when transporting these big fish.

Getting plastic fish bags from a nearby pet shop would be better, but as long as the Tupperware is clean, they should be fine. Wrap the Tupperware in towels to try and keep it from moving, and invest in a Styrofoam cooler to maintain the temperature of the water. Don't feed your fish for 24 hours beforehand so they don't soil the water.

Use a clean plastic cup with a lid that has holes in it. (Do not clean the cup with soap, just rinse out with clean hot water and let it cool, to remove dust and debris.) Fill the cup half-way to two-thirds full with the Betta's existing water (very important), secure the lid and you're set! Be careful with it and make sure it's secure during the ride.

Generally, no. However, if you have older fish, they may react a little bit more sensitively than younger fish would. If you absolutely have to transport fry, then take EXTRA care when doing so. Fry are very delicate as it is, and transporting them may stress them out a lot.

Yes, as long as you do it safely and make sure they are not extremely stressed.

For safety reasons, most planes don't allow liquids over a certain amount on the plane.

If the drive isn't too long, you should aim to put the fish in a box with newspaper so the glass doesn't break and hold it on your lap.

Yes, but a portable aerator would be a better option if possible.

You could still use the methods from the article above, or you could try to put them in containers with water to transport them.

Normally one would put their fish into a smaller plastic tank, but since your tank is small, and the travel is a long distance, that may just put extra unnecessary stress on your fish. You can try putting your fish into a box, tightly-packed with bubble wrap and newspaper so the glass does not crack. Put your fish in a space in your vehicle where there is the least amount of vibration, and try to drive relatively slow.

Yes, that would be a good idea if you don't want any water splashes in your vehicle. Make sure you put your fish into a fish-safe (plastic type 3 or 5) cup, or the cup they sell the fish in at the pet store will do just fine.

You can't safely put a heater in anything flammable, like a cardboard box.

If you're going to a new country, avoid feeding your fish for up to 5 days prior to the big day. The night before (or morning before) you leave, place the fish in bags with oxygen in them. There should be more air than water. Tie the bags securely. Place the bags in a box with newspaper, bubble wrap, or packing peanuts to keep everything in place. Close the box securely. Be sure to write "Live Fish" on the top and sides of the box. Also, check with your airline to see all of their guidelines about traveling with live animals/fish.

You can simply use bags for each fish. Be sure to give each fish their own bag, ESPECIALLY the bettas.

Talk to your local fish store. They may be willing (of course, for a fee) to hold your fish for you until you reach your destination, and then properly pack and ship them to you (large chain stores won't do this though). Fish have a higher rate of survival depending on transit time. It is best to keep transit time under 48 hours.

Many domestic and international shipping companies are able to transport live fish. This is how most fish retailers receive their inventory, after all. Any shipping company that is able to do next business day, overnight, or same day deliveries should be able to handle a fish shipment.

Plastic containers would work fine, provided the animals can breathe in them and the water doesn't slosh out of the fish containers. Obviously, put the fish and the snails in separate containers.

If you bike home with the fish, you are more likely to drop it. If you do this, have a basket/panier to hold the fish upright and ride with great care. If you're up to a jog or a walk that day, it may work out fine. But make sure you keep the fish in shade, the water will overheat very easily.