How to Transport Pond Fish

Transporting pond fish is very common. Luckily, pond fish are very tolerant of such moves. Fish dealers and breeders successfully transport their stock of pond fish to locations around the world. Transporting pond fish will work as long as the fish are provided enough oxygen and clean water, and the necessary precautions are taken to protect the bags and the fish inside. Planning and patience when netting the fish is required.

Things You'll Need

  • Plastic fish bags
  • Boxes
  • Oxygen cylinder and hose
  • Koi/pond fish net
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Instructions

    • 1

      Reduce or stop the fish's food intake. Fish breeders will starve the fish for a few days before transporting them because reducing food intake will reduce the amount of potentially toxic waste that will be produced and transported with the fish (see reference 1).

    • 2

      Prepare bags to hold the fish, oxygen to fill the bags and boxes to protect and block light or anything else that may cause stress for the bagged fish. The boxes and plastic fish bags should be bought from a pond fish or koi dealer. The oxygen can also be rented from a pond fish dealer.

    • 3

      Double the plastic fish bags, and fill the bags 1/5 of the way with clean pond water that is free of debris. The bag should be big enough so that filling it 1/5 of the way is enough to keep the fish submerged. Place the prepared bag in a box.

    • 4

      Net the fish in the least stressful way possible to keep their metabolic rate down for transport. Instead of chasing the fish with the net, corner it with the net so that it goes in headfirst.

    • 5

      Keep the fish in the net submerged by using a bowl or other type of basin, and lead the netted fish into the prepared bag.

    • 6

      Empty any remaining air in the bag and inflate it with oxygen, twist the bag, then close with rubber bands. Place the bag in the box and secure the box in the transportation vehicle. Transporting the fish horizontally will prevent larger specimens from hitting their tails or heads in case of a quick stop or deceleration when driving (see reference 2).

    • 7

      When the bagged fish have made it to their destination, open the bags and float them in the pond water for several minutes and then introduce the new pond water into the bag. This helps acclimate the fish and reduces stress before putting them in the new pond (see reference 1).