Important Information Before Ordering Live Fish

We are committed to the health and welfare of our fish and to providing clear, accurate information about ordering live animals online. Live fish are not manufactured goods, and their care, development, and behaviour involve natural biological variation.

By purchasing live fish from us, you acknowledge and accept the considerations outlined below.

1. Live fish and biological variability

Live fish are living organisms. Growth, colour, behaviour, health, and sex characteristics may continue to develop after delivery and may change as fish settle into a new environment.

While reasonable care is taken in selection and packing, outcomes cannot be guaranteed with absolute certainty due to biological and environmental factors beyond our control.

Online livestock purchases are therefore best suited to customers who understand and accept a degree of natural variability.

If absolute certainty is required (for example, hand-selecting individual fish), purchasing in person from a physical retail store is recommended.

2. Sex selection (including “male-only” requests)

Sex selection is based on visible characteristics at the time of packing. In some cases—particularly with juveniles or sub-adults—sex traits may not be fully expressed at that time.

Sex selection is performed in good faith but is not guaranteed, and subsequent development may differ from initial assessment. This is an inherent limitation of working with live animals.

2a. Optional verification services

In limited circumstances and for selected species (such as individually housed bettas), additional verification services may be available, such as photo or video confirmation prior to dispatch.

These services are:

offered by arrangement only
subject to availability
provided at an additional cost
intended to reduce, but not eliminate, biological uncertainty

Verification services are not available for all species and do not form part of standard livestock orders.

3. Shipping and animal welfare

All fish are packed using established industry methods intended to minimise stress and support safe transport. Despite best practices, shipping live animals always carries an element of risk.

Responsibility for the care of fish transfers to the customer upon delivery. Any concerns regarding livestock condition on arrival must be reported promptly and in accordance with our livestock policy to allow assessment.

4. Remedies and resolutions

Where an issue arises, we aim to provide a fair and proportionate remedy in line with Australian Consumer Law and our livestock policy.

Depending on the circumstances, remedies may include store credit or other resolutions deemed reasonable. Replacement livestock, personalised logistics arrangements, in-person collection, or ongoing rehoming assistance are not guaranteed and are not provided outside our stated policy.

A customer’s preference for a specific remedy does not override what is considered reasonable and proportionate under consumer law.

5. Suitability of online livestock ordering

Ordering live fish online may not be suitable for everyone. It is best suited to customers who:

understand that live animals involve inherent variability and risk
are comfortable managing minor issues independently
value clear policies and consistent, policy-based resolutions

Customers seeking zero risk, absolute certainty, or hands-on selection are encouraged to purchase from a local physical store.

6. Shipping distance and transit time

All live fish are shipped from Sydney, Australia. Delivery times vary depending on destination, courier routing, weather conditions, and service availability.

While many orders arrive within 1–3 business days, longer transit times may occur for regional, remote, or interstate locations. These factors are outside our direct control once an order has been dispatched.

By placing an order, customers acknowledge that:

shipping live animals involves distance and transit-time considerations
longer delivery times may increase stress on livestock
it is the customer’s responsibility to consider their location, local conditions, and transit risk before ordering live fish

Customers who are concerned about extended transit times or distance-related risk are encouraged to:

select express shipping where available, or
consider purchasing livestock from a local physical store

We are unable to guarantee delivery timeframes or outcomes affected by distance, courier handling, or external delays.

Ordering live fish online is best suited to customers who are comfortable managing the risks associated with distance and transit time.

Our aim is to operate responsibly, ethically, and transparently. Clear expectations help ensure fair outcomes, healthy fish, and a sustainable experience for both customers and our business.