While taking a fish on vacation with you is probably more trouble than it's worth, you may find yourself bringing home a new aquarium addition on the return trip. Bumping, bruising, stress, temperature changes and new water chemistry are all factors that can make a fish's travel plans a one-way ticket.
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Packing a Fish
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Prepare your fish for travel by withholding food for two days if he is more than 2 inches long, or one day if he is smaller. This lessens the amount of waste products he'll excrete into his traveling container, keeping water fresher longer. One of the best ways to transport fish less than 5 inches long is in a plastic bag like the one you brought him home in from the pet store. Fill the bottom third of the bag with aquarium water and trap as much air as you can in the upper two-thirds. Put the bags in a Styrofoam cooler to protect them from punctures.
Fish on a Plane
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With post-911 restrictions on liquids, your fish won't be able to accompany you in the cabin. Some airlines allow you to check your fish as pets traveling in the baggage hold, but extra charges will apply. You can ship your fish as cargo, but she probably won't arrive on the same plane as you and you'll need to pick her up at the air freight counter at your destination. Pack fish securely with plenty of air to prevent suffocation. Include a heating pack to keep temperatures stable for long journeys, but take care to add layers of newspaper to avoid overheating.
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