Where to buy fish and invertebrates online

[Robert Binz]

I’m specially asking about fish and inverts (I do better trading with local reefers for corals).

I know there’s been a lot of displeasure with Live Aquaria’s change to a 7 day stay alive policy, store credit rather than replacement fish, and allegedly unhealthy/unquarantined fish.

But I rarely see people suggest better options. Where do y’all buy your fish, and why?

*note this is not a LA bashing post, and for all I know they are the best option on the market—just restated opinions from the internet as a preface for my question.

 

[Robert Binz]

I have heard great things about @Biota_Marine but the options there are still relatively limited (although expanding fast).

 

[NowGlazeIT]

I don’t like to put fish through shipping, but the few times I have, I’ve seen TSM do a good job and they do quarantine. I’ve also seen LA and received dead fish. From the two that survived, one developed a fungal infection, the other is still alive 2 years later.
I did try out biota for two mandarin, one came in with ammonia burns and a badly damaged side fin (took 6 months to fully heal) the second came in just fine

 

[Rtaylor]

I’ve had good luck with reefbeauties.com and they offer a 15 day guarantee last time I checked. They also usually have the lowest prices.
For cuc, reefcleaners.org is great

 

[Rtaylor]

For gorgonians, sponges, macro algae, I like:

Macro Algae: Your Source For Quality Marine Plants and Macroalgae | Gulf Coast Ecosystems

We specialize in saltwater Macroalgae and Seagrass | GCE has the largest selection of Macroalgae online, offering over 35 different species

www.live-plants.com

Or kpAquatics (they’re good for fish and live rock too, but fish selection is limited).

 

[burningmime]

I've actually had nothing but good experiences with LA. Out of the 8 fish I've ordered for this tank (And 5 fish for older tanks, so 13 overall), every one has been just fine, and been out eating within a day. I practice "ich management" (eg it's probably in the system and I hope my UV will take care of it), so they may have had ich.

I've only had bad experiences with one online vendor (Blue Zoo). I ordered 3 fish. Out of the 3 I ordered, one was missing a fin and couldn't swim, one had very obvious ich spots (still has them; but he might pull through), and one was dead the next day. But Live Aquaria has done all right by me, and it seems like the change in management has been positive for them.

I think if you really want to go the extra mile for your fish, you need to check TSM (always seem to be out of stock for what I want) or custom order through ATR/Marine Collectors/etc. But if you don't want to pay a ton more, LA seems as good as any other major vendor, and possibly better since they have deals with the wholesalers.

 

[Rtaylor]

Also, for what it’s worth, I haven’t had any recent problems with LiveAquaria.

 

[Grapefruit509]

I CAN NOT for the life of me find nano ornamental shrimp, wanting sexies, Pedersen, bumblebees but not a single one i can find

 

[Quietman]

LA here for 90% of my fish (Saltwaterfish.com for others). That's 15 total saltwater fish and more freshwater. Never had an issue with either. For invert clean up crew went with Reef Cleaners - no issues there either.

I always check the ship from and arrival location forecast and make sure I don't order during cold snaps or hot spells.

 

[LiveFreeAndReef]

I feel like LA gets a bad rap. Like most things in life, you're far more likely to hear from people that had a bad experience than from people that had a good experience.

 

[Bad Company]

I recently got an order from LA, and the fish arrived healthy and eager to look for food. They changed how they seal the bags, and while I'd received unhealthy specimens in the past, they seem to be much better now.

 

[Ilikefishandlamps]

Harry’s marine life. Great success with them have spent thousands and never been disappointed

 

[Quietman]

Harry’s marine life. Great success with them have spent thousands and never been disappointed

Thanks...first I've heard of them. Always looking for a new reputable source.

 

[Rtaylor]

I CAN NOT for the life of me find nano ornamental shrimp, wanting sexies, Pedersen, bumblebees but not a single one i can find

Sexy Shrimp

The Sexy Shrimp, Thor amboinensis, gets its name from its provocative waving motion it makes with its abdomen. This is a very small shrimp that makes a perfect addition to any Nano aquarium. It features a translucent/orange body with scattered white spots. It is imperative that you never house...

www.saltwaterfish.com

 

[Rtaylor]

I CAN NOT for the life of me find nano ornamental shrimp, wanting sexies, Pedersen, bumblebees but not a single one i can find

Bumble Bee Shrimp For Sale (Gnathophyllum americanum). TOP Care facts. Reefs4Less.com

Bumble Bee Shrimp for sale 4Less! Top Care Facts For The Bumble Bee Shrimp (Gnathophyllum americanum) Care Level: Easy Temperament: Peaceful Diet: Omnivore Origin: Indian Ocean Minimum

www.reefs4less.com

 

[Rtaylor]

I CAN NOT for the life of me find nano ornamental shrimp, wanting sexies, Pedersen, bumblebees but not a single one i can find

Sexy Shrimp For Sale (Thor amboinensis). TOP Care facts. Reefs4Less.com

Sexy Shrimp for sale 4Less! Top Care Facts For The Sexy Shrimp (Thor amboinensis) Care Level: Easy Temperament: Peaceful Diet: Omnivore Origin: Indian Ocean Minimum Tank Size: 5

www.reefs4less.com

 

[Rtaylor]

I CAN NOT for the life of me find nano ornamental shrimp, wanting sexies, Pedersen, bumblebees but not a single one i can find

White Patched Anemone Shrimp

The White Patched Anemone Shrimp, Periclimenes brevicarpalis, also known as the Glass Anemone Shrimp or just Anemone Shrimp features a true translucent body with scattered white splotches across its body. Generally, the White Patched Anemone Shrimp will form a symbiotic relationship with a...

www.saltwaterfish.com