The Best Live Fish
If you've been thinking of adding an easy pet to your home, make sure you don't forget about fish. These cute little creatures are simple to care for, and they can have a surprising amount of personality as well. It's hard not to fall in love with live fish after you look after them for a while. And you can purchase them with much less effort than most pets, too. Read on to discover the best live fish to purchase online today.
What to Look For
Taking health, care levels, and price into consideration, we gathered and reviewed the best live fish available to purchase online. Right away, our research led us to Toledo Goldfish’s Standard Koi. We love that they’re raised on a family farm and come with a live-arrival promise. We were also impressed by the Generic Mystery Snails for the fun element they add to tanks. Which new creatures will be the best swimming pets for your home? Look through the list below to find out.
Toledo Goldfish Standard Koi, 10 Live Fish
Tank or pond
These beautiful, healthy fish are versatile in where they can live. You can place them in aquariums inside your home or in outdoor ponds. They are Koi, and their patterns will vary from fish to fish. This order of 10 fish will likely include bright oranges, yellows, white, and black in solid or mixed designs. The fish are bred, born, and raised until shipping on a family-run fish farm in the United States. They have a live-arrival guarantee for your peace of mind as well.
Pros:
- Step-by-step acclimation guide included
- Larger fish, measuring 4-5 inches when fully grown
- Packs of 3-50 available
Cons:
- Higher price point due to the quality of the live fish
Worldwide Tropicals Guppies, 5 Live Fish
These peaceful, fan-tailed guppies are sure to add a wow factor to your in-home aquarium. They are all males, so you don’t have to worry about egg-laying. The fish are also more detailed with brighter colors due to their gender. Place them in individual tanks or all together — either decision is safe. The company is willing to work with your preferences if you have your heart set on specific patterns or colors.
Pros:
- Shipped in an insulated and heated container
- Affordably priced
- Easy care level
Cons:
- Only available in a pack of five
Little Live Pets Aqua Dragons Kit
For the kids
If you’re looking for live fish to gift to a child in your life, this Aqua Dragons kit is an excellent choice. It starts out similar to a science project, but it includes real eggs that hatch into teeny-tiny fish. All habitat pieces as well as food, are included with your purchase. The tank even has a built-in light and magnifying glass for better viewing of the little species.
Pros:
- Only take 48 hours to hatch
- Can grow up to 2 centimeters long
- Can live long lives and reproduce if properly cared for
Cons:
- Will eventually need to be transferred to a larger tank, at least 1 gallon in size
Seven Sea Supply Male Betta, 1 Live Fish
Betta fish make excellent pets with their novice care level and long life spans. Their beautiful fan tails are fun to watch as they swim around their tanks. These Bettas from Seven Sea Supply have live-arrival guarantees. They come in a variety of bright colors, so you can order one or a few to care for in your home. Just be sure to keep them in separate tanks if you purchase several.
Pros:
- Specific colors can be requested at checkout
- Basic care guide included
- Simple tanks acceptable — no filters or aerators required
Cons:
- Only one live fish included in each order
Generic Mystery Aquarium Snails, 3 Live Fish
If snails are more your style, these cute little guys from Generic are worth considering. They come in packs of three and can live in most freshwater aquariums. They eat algae, so they do a great job of keeping tanks clean. They have peaceful personalities, so you don’t have to figure out which species they can and cannot live with. They also come with a live-arrival guarantee.
Pros:
- Bright and neutral shell colors are available
- Do not require food other than tank algae
- Entertaining addition to typical fish tanks
Cons:
- Cold weather orders require priority shipping
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of supplies will I need for my live fish when it arrives?
This varies from fish to fish, but you will need to have some sort of tank set up before your new pet comes in the mail. All fish need a tank with water and food that is designed for their specific species. They may also need tank filters, aerators, pea gravel, plants and statues to hide in and behind, etc. You may need to treat your tank water to ensure it’s healthy for your fish as well.
Is it safe to order live fish online?
Yes, these fish are shipped quickly and packaged well. The companies may require specific actions from you, such as choosing priority shipping if you live in a cold climate. The boxes typically say something along the lines of “Caution: Live Fish” so that mail carriers know to be careful with them as well.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
Since 2008, CatTime has provided millions of cat owners with all the information they need to keep their pets happy and healthy. Our experts know exactly what it takes to raise our furry friends and our goal is to help all owners, new or experienced, care for their cats with all the right food, toys, equipment, and accessories.