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How to Safely Transport Fish For Short & Long Distances (Vet Answer)

By Dr. Luqman Javed, DVM (Vet)

Updated on Feb 9, 2024

Vet approved

Dr. Luqman Javed

DVM (Veterinarian)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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In this article, we’ll look at ways to transport pet fish over short and long distances safely.

Situations That Require Transporting Your Fish

A fish isn’t a pet people associate with traveling and transport, but there are situations where your fish needs to be transported.

Please be mindful that you should only transport your fish only when absolutely necessary. Fish are not meant to be transported all the time. Ideas such as taking your fish to the park daily or weekly are more likely to do harm than offer any benefits and are not conducive to your fish’s well-being.

Here are some situations where transporting your fish might be necessary:

Bringing home. When you purchase your fish from a store or breeder, you’ll need to transport them home and place them in an aquarium.
A vet visit . When an aquatic vet can’t come to your home to inspect your fish or perform a video consultation, you may have to transport your fish to the vet. Sometimes, your vet may advise you to bring in your fish after a video consultation (for a closer examination).
A relocation . If you’re moving houses or changing your address, you might have to transport your fish as well.

The transport might be short or long. Generally speaking, defining a trip as “short” or “long” isn’t determined by the distance traveled but rather by the amount of time it takes for you to make a trip. Though there’s no specific rule, a short-distance trip can last up to 6 hours. A longer trip exceeds this time limit. The fundamentals of transporting your fish are similar in each scenario.

Let’s look at each of these scenarios with a closer look.

Bringing Fish Home

This is perhaps the easiest form of transportation for your fish. You have to be mindful of a few things. Your fish will likely be placed in a plastic bag filled with oxygen, and the bag will usually either be tied or sealed for their safety. It’s a good idea to request that your fish be “double bagged” as an added precaution.

Additional tips to be mindful of include the following:

Ensure that picking up your fish is last on your “to-do” list while you’re out. Essentially, your goal should be to have your fish spend the least amount of time possible in their transport bag as possible.
Be mindful of other items you may be carrying in your hand; a sharp object can puncture the bag your fish is held in, which you would definitely want to avoid.
While transporting your fish (either by walking or while in any mode of transport), try your best to avoid any bumps, sudden movements, or abrupt stops (such as slamming on your brakes).
You should not run while holding your fish. It’s best to wrap your fish in a secure blanket or a towel.

Once at your home, carefully place your fish in a suitable aquarium and begin the acclimation process before adding them to their new home. If your fish is going to be joining a community tank , you should place them in a quarantine tank for a period of at least 4 weeks (6 weeks is ideal) before introducing them to the community aquarium.

If you're interested in learning everything about the safest way to transfer new tankmates into your aquarium, our best-selling book, The Truth About Goldfish , covers everything about ideal tank maintenance and details on the tank transfer method—a seamless way to add new members to the family!

Precautions for Long Trips

If your trip back home from the pet store is particularly long, request that they add ammonia-neutralizing chemicals to the fish bag. This can provide an extra layer of protection for your fish for a long period. Generally speaking, though, for pet stores that are exceptionally far away, you should opt for them to ship the fish to you , if possible.

A Vet Visit

Generally speaking, a vet visit is a short trip only requested in rare circumstances. In most circumstances, an aquatic veterinarian would visit your home rather than have your fish transported to them. However, in some circumstances, they may request your fish be brought in for a closer examination. At other times, there may be no choice but to bring your fish in for a complex procedure that can’t be performed during a visit to your home.

In this case, you can transport your fish safely by following these steps:

1. Gather Your Necessities

Here are the necessities you may require when it comes to transporting your fish . Most of these can be purchased from a pet store. Depending on your fish, you may require some or all of these.

Plastic bags to hold your fish or a very small transport aquarium or container with a lid (if your fish has sharp fins)
Oxygen tanks
Ammonia neutralizing medicine
An air pump, tubing, and an air stone
A portable water heater (these usually have a charging port compatible with your car’s charging port)
Two spare water containers or empty water bottles (these should have lids or covers)
Spare empty plastic containers, Tupperware, or transport aquariums.

2. Fill a Spare Container

Fill a spare water container or an empty water bottle with water from your fish’s aquarium. Close their lid or cover. A small water bottle that holds about half a liter of water is usually enough for a short trip for a small fish (such as a Betta or a Dwarf Gourami). However, if your fish is larger, consider bringing along more water. Note that your vet will almost always request a sample of your aquarium water, and therefore, you can always carry along more (within reasonable limits).

3. Fill the Transport Container

Ensure the transport aquarium or bag is clean. Fill it about halfway with water from your fish’s aquarium. You may add ammonia-neutralizing medicine to their transport container if needed.

4. Capture Your Fish

Gently scoop your fish out in a net and quickly transfer your pet into the transport aquarium or bag and close the lid (for an aquarium) or fill it with oxygen and then tie it (for a bag). If you’re using a bag, consider doubling it up.

Be mindful of the following:

Because ornaments and plants can sometimes topple during a trip, you should not place them in this transport aquarium or bag.
When transporting non-schooling fish, place each individual in their own bag or aquarium.
When transporting schooling fish, place at least six individuals per bag or per aquarium. If the transport container can hold more fish (and has enough water), you can place more of them in the same transport unit.
Mixing species while transporting fish is not advised.
If your fish has sharp spines or fins, do not place them in a bag for transport. Their fins or spines may tear the bag open.

5. Final Trip Preparations

If your fish is being transported in a bag, then ensure the following:

Place your fish’s tied bag in a spare plastic box, aquarium, or Tupperware with a secure lid.
Ensuring the bag isn’t leaking before closing the box you place it in.
If your fish needs to be kept warm for their trip, consider wrapping the container holding their bags in a towel or a fleece blanket.

If your fish is being transported in a transport aquarium or a container, then ensure the following:

Most fish will require oxygen for their trips that will take longer than 3 hours. To do so, pass an air tube to their aquarium. If the lid of the container does not have any space for an air line tube to pass through, consider drilling a small hole. Opt for an air pump with a rechargeable battery or one that can be charged or powered while inside your car (using the power ports in your vehicle).
If your fish needs heating throughout their trip, a similar procedure can be carried out for their heater. Ensure the heater is placed flat on the container’s floor. If parts of the heating element are outside the water, the heater may malfunction.
Please be mindful that because a gallon (3.8 L) of water weighs 8.3 pounds (3.8 kilograms), even a small aquarium can be extremely heavy relative to its size.

6. Transport With Caution

Your priority should be to transport your fish to your veterinarian with no or as few stops in between as possible. Ensure your car is relatively warm for your trip. An ambient temperature of around 25–28°C (77–82.4°F) is recommended for most fish. Ensure your fish is secure in your car (it’s best to have someone hold your fish’s container). Drive slowly, and try to use routes without too many bumps or potholes.

If the trip lasts longer than 3 hours, it is advisable to replace some of the water in your fish’s tank or bag with the spare aquarium water you brought along. To do so, use an empty container to remove some of the water from the container and replace an appropriate amount of water from your spare supply. Do not tilt a bag or aquarium to remove water, as you might lose your fish!

7. After Your Trip

Though, in most cases, you can safely reintroduce your fish to their aquarium after a short trip, you may wish to reacclimate them to the aquarium before doing so (especially if you suspect that the water temperatures have changed while you were away). You would have to use a plastic bag to float your fish before adding them back into their tank (similar to how you acclimated them when you first brought them home).

It is very important to acclimate your fish as a “new” fish if your fish spent more than a day with your vet (for example, if your vet placed them in a ward for recovery after a procedure). Ensure you complete any instructions provided by your veterinarian regarding aftercare for your fish.

A Relocation (Long Distance Drive)

A trip for a relocation is much more trickier and generally requires more preparation, even if it’s a short distance that you relocate to. The steps for a driving relocation that takes less than 48 hours (2 days) are as follows:

Once again, this occasion calls for gathering your necessities before your trip. These are the same as those listed for a short trip to the veterinarian, with an additional requirement of:

Multiple spare buckets of manageable size
A few spare towels that are large enough to cover those buckets
Tank sealant glue (in the unfortunate event that an aquarium cracks during transport)
Household ammonia (easily obtainable from a hardware store)

2. Water Change

Feed your fish their usual daily food, then change at least 20-25% of the water in your aquarium three days before your trip. Please note that this advice assumes an appropriately stocked aquarium. Heavier-stocked aquariums will require more extensive changes.

3. Stop Feeding

Two days before your trip, stop feeding your fish. You should also remove automated feeders (if any). This minimizes the waste they produce during a long trip. Healthy adult fish have no problems dealing with a fast of a few days. If your fish are young or unwell, try postponing your trip (if possible) or seek veterinary advice before fasting and transporting your fish.

4. Capture on Move Day

On the day of the move, fill the transport aquarium or plastic bag (depending on your choice) with some aquarium water, gently scoop up your fish, and place them in their respective containers or bags. Secure these using the same instructions and tips provided in the section above.

5. Drain Tank

After your fish have been placed in their transport bags or tanks, drain the tank to the substrate (if any). Try salvaging some aquarium water in buckets or spare containers, depending on how much space you have in your transport vehicle.

Please be mindful that aquariums should NOT be moved when they are full of water. Aquariums are designed to be stationary. Uneven water pressure hitting the walls of a full aquarium that is being moved can cause glass aquariums to crack or shatter.

6. Pack Plants, Filter, and Substrate

If your tank has a substrate layer, you should place it in a bucket with a very thin layer of water (just enough to cover the substrate).

Pack aquarium plants in plastic bags with some aquarium water and oxygen. Alternatively, plants can be placed in buckets with their roots submerged in aquarium water. Cover the bucket with a moist towel to ensure they don’t dry out during the trip.

Your tank’s filter media should be kept wet throughout the move as well. The nitrifying bacteria used in your tank’s cycle will perish if they dry out.

7. Drive Slowly

Drive slowly and carefully, avoiding speed bumps whenever possible. If you plan to stop for the night, do not leave your fish in your car unattended. Instead, bring them in with you where you will stay for the night.

Never leave fish (or any pets) in an unattended locked car during the day; they may die from heat stress. Try to keep your car somewhat warm, a temperature of around 25°C (77°F) is recommended.

The goal of a long-distance trip is striking a balance between stopping for partial water changes and not taking too long to reach your destination. Most people opt for water changes once every 3 to 6 hours. As a general rule, if your fish seem to be doing fine throughout the trip, prioritize covering the distance to your destination over a water change. If they seem to be gasping or air, appearing lethargic, or changing their color slightly, prioritize a water change.

The bacteria in your tank’s filter feed on ammonia provided by your fish on a daily basis. During a trip, they won’t have this source of nutrition, and therefore, it’s advised to drop a small amount of ammonia in the bucket holding your filter media before your trip (1–2 drops). This should provide the bacteria with food for about a day. Repeat this process the next morning (for a long trip that takes more than a day).

8. When You Arrive

Setting up your aquarium quickly once you arrive at your destination is crucial. To do so, work in reverse by adding in the filter media, substrate, and plants first. Next, place any salvaged aquarium water you brought along. Fill up the aquarium with fresh de-chlorinated water as needed, and install any other appliances (such as your aquarium light & heater). Turn everything back on and ensure they are working properly.

Ensure you check the parameters of the new water source you’re going to use for your fish. If they are vastly different from the parameters of your previous water source, you should acclimate your fish to the aquarium with extra caution.

9. Reacclimate Your Fish

After a long trip, it is important to reacclimate your fish to their aquarium over a period of about 60–120 minutes. This is to avoid giving them a shock when they first arrive in potentially new waters.

10. Monitor Your Fish

It is best to not feed your fish for about a day after arriving (they may likely be too stressed to eat anyway). Keep a close eye on them, and monitor your water parameters periodically, especially during the first week after a relocation.

If you feel that your fish aren’t adjusting well after the move or seem to be taking a turn for the worse, you should promptly contact your veterinarian or a fisheries expert for advice.

Public Modes of Travel (Flight, Ship, Train)

If you’re planning to use nonconventional public transport for your fish, you should always contact the relevant authorities for information with regard to transport requirements and their procedure. It is also important to check if you can legally transport your fish to their destination (some jurisdictions may not allow this).

Though odd, fish must sometimes be transported over short or long distances. In this article, we’ve covered the various scenarios in which you might have to transport your fish and provided a step-by-step guide on making the process as stress-free as possible. We hope this guide will help you if you ever find yourself in a situation where your fish must be transported from one place to another.

Featured Image Credit: Simol1407, Shutterstock

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Home » How To Travel With a Fish – By Plane, Car, Train or Bus

How To Travel With a Fish – By Plane, Car, Train or Bus

It is an unusual predicament when you must learn how to travel with a fish. Fish are very fragile and do not transport easily. However, there are instances when pet owners must travel, relocate, or move to another home. It is important to take the proper measures to ensure fish safety—whether traveling by car or plane.

There are a few essential things to consider when learning how to travel with a fish. First, as a soft guideline, fish can survive in a plastic transport bag for up to 7 to 9 hours. It is difficult to provide a clear safety timeframe because many factors come into play. For example, the size of the bag, the air and water temperature, and how airtight the bag’s seal is can all influence fish safety.

How to Travel With a Fish

Below are five essential guidelines to take when traveling with a fish:

Fish can travel for about 48 hours before you risk their survival.
Do not feed your fish for 24 to 48 hours before traveling.
Depending on your mode of transportation, use plastic bags or clean plastic containers (the best ones are listed below).
Fill the leakproof/airtight transport container 1/3 full using tank water, not tap water. Leave 2/3 of the bag/container empty. The remaining space will supply supplemental oxygen.
Keeping your fish in a dark place causes less stress because fish are inactive at night.

Below, we’ll discuss how to travel with a fish by car and by plane.

Preparing Fish For Travel

Before you travel, avoid feeding your fish for 24 to 48 hours to prevent contaminating the transport water. Depending on the species, fish can survive for about two to three days without food , however, much of it depends on the underlying health of the fish. Do not feel the need to open the bag and add food. Remember, a fish should be the last item you pack and the first thing you unpack.

How to Pack a Pet Fish

The length of the journey and whether the fish will travel by car or plane will dictate how it should be packed. Also, if traveling internationally, you will need to figure out the customs laws before departing.

Traveling With Fish By Plane

The TSA offers some guidance on how to travel with a fish. TSA regulations allow for live fish to board planes after security inspection for domestic flights. Fish must be placed in a clear, spill-proof container . Fish are not permitted in checked luggage. Before your flight, it is advisable to contact your specific airline to see if there are any special requirements for fish travel.

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Generally, the TSA agent will inspect the bag or container to check that the fish is alive and swimming. If this is the case, they will know that the fluid is water and not any dangerous or flammable liquid. As fish are not a common travel item, allow yourself extra time before your flight to allow for the inspection. There is no limit on the amount of fish as indicated by the TSA tweets below.

Spill-Proof Container

While it is possible to bring special airtight bags made to transport fish on flights, we don’t recommend doing this. The safest way to bring a pet fish on a plane is with this clear Rubbermaid tall plastic spill-proof container . Once the fish is placed inside of the clear container, place the fish in this small insulated bag —when you reach security, simply take the clear container out of the insulated bag.

For longer journeys, be sure to bring this small ladle to add oxygen to the water by aerating it⁠—ladle the water from the container and raise it about six inches, and slowly pour it back into the aquarium. Also, if any time during the journey your fish is spending an abnormal amount of time near the surface this most likely indicates that there is not enough oxygen in the water—begin the aerating process as stated above.

Finally, attach this thermometer to the clear container to track the temperature. Depending on the length of the journey, it may be worth considering options to adjust the temperature through the use of instant hot/cold packs .

Boarding the Plane

Upon boarding, situate the fish in a place where there will be the least amount of movement. For example, the fish can be placed under the seat in front of you, on your lap, or inside the overhead bin. Moreover, you may consider bringing a travel blanket to cover the container to prevent anxiety or to protect it from sitting on too cold or hot surfaces.

Rules are different for international flights due to customs regulations. You will need to check the rules for importing and exporting fish for each country’s airport security that you pass through.

Read : 5 Ways to Occupy Your Pet While Waiting for a Flight

Traveling With Fish by Car

The main difference between traveling with fish by car versus plane is that it doesn’t need to be in a clear see-through container. When traveling by car, the temperature will be the most important factor when transporting your fish. To clarify, great fluctuations in water and air temperature can be harmful to aquatic pets.

For short distances or only a couple of hours, a special plastic bag made to transport fish will work. It is best to double bag the fish and secure the top with a rubber band to prevent water leakage.

However, the best and safest method for vehicle transport is to place your pet fish in a bag or container and then into a hard insulated cooler to prevent temperature fluctuations. Place the cooler on a flat surface in the vehicle. Keep the fish in the cabin of the car, where your ventilation system regulates the temperature.

Any live plants should also be bagged with tank water to protect the natural bacteria and attempt to keep the tank’s conditions as similar as possible.

How to Travel With a Fish by Bus or Train

Currently, pet fish are not allowed on Greyhound or Flixbus , or Amtrack trains . Greyhound and Flixbus only allow service animals onto their buses.

Amtrack, on the other hand, will allow cats and dogs up to 20 pounds (combined weight of pet and carrier) on most routes lasting no more than seven hours. Pet fish are not allowed on Amtrack, however, all service animals are allowed. While a pet fish may be considered a comfort animal, unfortunately, Greyhound, Flixbus, and Amtrack do not designate emotional support animals as service animals.

Fish Supplies Needed for Traveling

Other than the bags, coolers, containers, and blankets listed above, if you want to be extra cautious you may want to consider adding pure oxygen to the water. Pure oxygen can be added to the plastic bag or container although some fish owners claim it is hard to find in retail shops. You should contact your local pet supply store or veterinarian before pursuing this route as both too little and too much oxygen can be harmful to fish.

For larger aquariums, the best option is to use a new 5-gallon utility plastic bucket . Fish don’t need a lot of room but it should be enough for them to move around comfortably.

Only fill the container with 1/3 water from the tank and leave the remaining space open for oxygen. Do not use tap water. Use water from the top of the tank where it is the cleanest and free from feces that sink and carry harmful bacteria.

Rocks or any objects should not be placed into the container with the fish. Do not place multiple fish into one bag or container as each fish needs its sack. For fish with sharp fins, a clean plastic container could also be used for sturdy transport.

Lastly, keeping the fish in a dark state will be less stressful because fish are inactive at night. Cover the container with a dark sheet or travel blanket to simulate evening hours.

Arriving at Your Destination

Upon arrival, taking care of your fish should be the priority. If the fish were transported in plastic bags, place the bag on top of the tank water. Allow the temperature of the bag to regulate to the temperature of the tank. However, if the fish is in a container or bucket it should first be placed into a bag and then put into the tank where it can acclimate. Finally, if the tank is empty, the water from the bag, container, or bucket can be poured directly into the tank.

Safe travels!

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How to Transport Fish

Last Updated: June 6, 2024 Approved

This article was co-authored by Doug Ludemann . Doug Ludemann is the owner and operator of Fish Geeks, LLC, an aquarium services company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Doug has worked in the aquarium and fish-care industry for over 20 years, including having worked as a professional aquarist for the Minnesota Zoo and Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. He received his Bachelor of Science in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior from the University of Minnesota. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 12 testimonials and 100% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 456,007 times.

Aquariums are wonderful hobbies, and fish are great pets for many people. When you get fish, you expect to leave them in their tank and not move them. However, if you are relocating, you may not want to give your fish away. You can safely take your fish with you by placing them in proper containers and reintroducing them to their tank as soon as possible.

Ensuring Your Fish’s Safety Prior to Traveling

Step 1 Change the water for a few days before moving.

When you stop for the night, you need to take the fish with you. Don’t leave them unattended in cars or trailers.
If you need to fly with your fish, contact the airline to find out what requirements they have for transporting fish.

Step 4 Wait until the last possible moment to pack the fish.

You should also plan to unpack your fish as soon as you reach your destination. They should be the first thing you unpack.

Step 5 Avoid unnecessary travel with your fish.

Choosing a Container for Transportation

Place a second bag over the first bag so that it is extra protected. This helps in case the bag leaks.
Use a rubber band to secure the bags so the fish and water cannot get out.
If you are going to have the fish in bags for longer than an hour, get some pure oxygen from your local pet store to place in the bags with them.

Step 2 Transport the fish in five-gallon buckets.

Fill the bucket with water from your tank.

This may be good for fish with sharp fins or who may get out of a plastic bag.

Step 4 Transport the aquarium if it is small.

However, even small tanks can be difficult to move. They are very heavy, but also fragile. If you drop the tank and it breaks, you may lose all of your fish.
Tanks that are moved with water in them are more likely to get chipped or cracked.

Step 5 Transport your fish in an insulated, secure container.

If you have an insulated container, consider transporting your fish in it. A picnic cooler or styrofoam cooler will be great for this.

Step 6 Choose a container large enough for your fish.

You should only fill the container around a third of the way full. The rest of the container should be open for oxygen.

Step 7 Place all plants in plastic bags.

Keeping Your Fish Safe While Traveling

Step 1 Fill the containers with water from the top of the tank.

You can also use insulation to the transportation container. This can help regulate the temperature.
Check the fish’s temperature to make sure it doesn’t get too hot or too cold.

For example, you may place a sheet or rug over the container.

Step 5 Avoid feeding your fish during travel.

If you transported your fish in bags, place the bags on top of the water and let them float. This helps regulate the temperature of the water in the bags. When the temperature of the water in both are similar, you can pour the fish into the tank.

Taking Care of the Tank

Step 1 Empty the tank water into a fish-safe container.

Don't transport these things in the tank. The tank could crack if it is moved with items inside it.

For long moves, you can clean the filter and reintroduce it when you arrive at the destination. You may also want to throw it away and buy a new one.

How Do You Safely Transport Fish?

Community Q&A

↑ https://www.atlasvanlines.com/Moving-Tips/How-To-Move-Guides/moving-fish
↑ http://animals.mom.me/keep-fish-alive-long-trip-9321.html
↑ https://www.pbspettravel.co.uk/blog/transport-pet-fish-safely/
↑ Doug Ludemann. Aquarium Care Professional. Expert Interview. 27 August 2019.

About This Article

If you need to transport fish, make sure no chemicals have previously been in the bucket you plan to use. Then, fill it with water from your tank and put your fish inside. Place the bucket in a dark place so the fish will be less active during the trip. Alternatively, fill 1/3 of a special fish bag with water and put 1 fish in each bag. Place the bags in a container insulated with bubble wrap so they don't burst during the trip. To learn how to take care of ornaments in your tank, like rocks and decorations, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How To Transport Fish Safely: Long and Short Distances

by Dr. Mollie Newton
July 7, 2024
8 minute read

Just purchased a new fish and unsure how to transport it home safely? It’s absolutely normal to feel this way. Learning the proper steps to transport fish in a manner that ensures their wellbeing is crucial. A few important considerations include selecting a suitable transport container, protecting the fish’s health, and ensuring a sufficient supply of oxygen during the journey. If you’re interested in learning the best methods to safely bring your new aquatic pet home, continue reading!

In this article...

Article Summary Key considerations for safely transporting fish include the choice of an appropriate transport container, fish safety, and ensuring sufficient oxygen for the journey. The simplest method for transporting fish is to use a closed container like a sturdy plastic bag with clean water and oxygen for shorter journeys. The recommended method for shorter distances is to bag the fish, and for longer journeys, consider using a larger container with more oxygen, such as an aquarium.

How To Transport Live Fish

The simplest and easiest method in helping your fish reach their final destination is to use a closed container like a sturdy plastic bag, with clean water that should have enough pure oxygen already in it for the journey home.

There is also the potential for using the aquarium itself or a new bucket, but these methods can be more complicated and require additional equipment and difficulty.

NOTE Keep in mind that no matter how you do it, transporting your fish will stress them out! As soon as they get to your home, they’ll need a quiet, relaxed environment to recuperate and relax.

Plastic Bags

When looking at either plastic bags or the aquarium itself as your container of choice, consider the length of the journey and whether the container is appropriate for travel.

Tanks for Transport

Using a tank that has additional air movement can keep your fish alive for longer, but will obviously come with extra air and power needs while transporting fish.

Should You Feed Your Fish Before Traveling?

Regardless of whether you’re using a bag, bucket, or the tank itself, avoid feeding your fish before transport !

You want to keep conditions in the bag safe for the fish, and having excess waste accumulate on the move can lead to ammonia poisoning during transport.

Set Up Your Fish Tank Beforehand

Since the main thing is to transport your fish quickly and efficiently, you want to make sure that you have your fish containers set up days prior to getting your fish to its new home .

Add any live plants, substrate, decorations, air pumps, and filters with plenty of time for the nitrogen cycle to begin and roll over a few times in the tank so that the fish isn’t encountering anything that presents a health risk.

TIP If you’re unsure about conditions in your tank, consider using an aquarium test kit available at most commercial pet stores. These will let you know the ammonia and oxygen levels in the tank, as well as the pH and salinity.

If you’re looking to add multiple fish or more than one fish at the same time, make sure that conditions are right before adding anything.

While one fish can handle a bit of leeway in terms of water parameters, the more large fish you add the more quickly waste, ammonia, and nitrates can accumulate leading to ammonia problems for everyone in the tank.

How To Transport Fish By Car

The most likely way that most people will be bringing their new fish home, a personal vehicle can be a great choice for fish transport. You don’t need to have any sort of professional moving vehicle to do things right, just time and consideration.

The main challenge with using a car for pet fish transport is in determining the length of the journey and planning appropriately .

NOTE Remember to treat your passenger with care when it comes time to transport your fish. Keeping the fish in a secure carrier (aka bags) in the passenger seat can be a great way to keep an eye on things when transporting.

Travel Time

For short jaunts , small fish survive just fine without any additional considerations aside from a sturdy fish bag and some tank water.

Longer trips of over a day can create difficulties with regards to running out of oxygen in your fish’s water and may need some extra thought to pull off properly. Put them in a bag filled with enough oxygen so they can survive until you get to your destination.

Also, note that your air conditioner can add additional stress to your fish by chilling it out below its normal temperature ! Try to keep things around where the temperature of the water in the plastic bags are, if at all possible when transporting your fish.

The Plastic Bag Method

As simple as it sounds, the plastic bag method involves placing your fish in a bag (or bags), filling it up half-way with aquarium water, and putting them in a safe location for transport. This is the most common method for transporting or mailing fish .

For large fish, make sure to use bags that are designed to fit their size and go with the same half-way full mark for whatever size bag you wind up using.

And upon arrival, make sure to acclimate the new fish properly . This ensures that the bag’s water matches the tank’s water parameters, avoids shock to your new fish, and prevents illness and diseases.

Buying Bags

The pet store or breeder that you purchase from should have plastic bags or closed containers that they use, and we recommend sticking to the same bag.

This will contain water that the fish is already used to, which will help decrease stress for your fish in the long run.

Here’s an informational video on testing bags to use for transport…

Type of Fish To Transport

Considering that many species of fish such as Red Cichlids and Jaguar Cichlids have sharp fins or bony ridges, special consideration needs to be taken so that the bag doesn’t leak water.

You may want to try using a second bag, as well as an insulated container, just in case your normal small containers are punctured and the bag leaks.

NOTE Make sure to fill the bag with pure oxygen before transport, as this will give them the best chance if things take longer than an hour for whatever reason.

How Long Can You Keep Fish in a Bag?

The pure oxygen initially added into most plastic bags by pet stores will last your fish around an hour total.

After that, a long distance means you’ll be quickly moving into dangerous territory for the fish inside of the bag which can lead to lasting damage.

Can Fish Suffocate in a Plastic Bag?

Fish can absolutely drown or suffocate in a plastic bag ! The plastic container is not open to the outside environment and has no additional water movement to provide oxygenation.

Therefore, it will only have as much dissolved oxygen as it did when originally packaged, which is around one hour in duration from when the rubber band is tied around the top of the bag.

Transporting Fish In An Aquarium

While not ideal, there may come a time where you need to transport your fish in their own tank. If this is something that you need to do, there are a few key components to making the trip as safe and secure as possible to ensure your fish can survive the trip.

A few benefits of using the fish tank are that they are typically a sturdy container and will already have the aquarium water and any beneficial bacteria that your fish are used to.

Some drawbacks are that glass tanks can shatter, unlike acrylic ones.

Water Parameters

Having parameters and oxygen in a good place prior to moving your fish is a great start to a successful journey for your fish.

Prep Your Tank – Remove any decorations, live plants, and other equipment that may come loose during travel to ensure the fish’s safety. During the process is a great time to consider cleaning the tank fully, as you’ll already be pulling everything out!
Lower The Water Level – Keep enough in the tank (~⅓-⅔ of normal, depending on how large your fish is and how much water they need) so that your fish is adequately comfortable.
Insulate the Tank – Using bubble wrap, a picnic cooler, or whatever other insulating material you’ve got on hand, surround the tank with something so that the glass doesn’t break. This will provide the added benefit of keeping the water from the tank temperature close to where it was before the trip.
Put A Lid On It – Use a water tight lid to keep anything from spilling during transport. If you have a fish that leaps out of the aquarium water such as betta, this will have the added bonus of keeping your fish in the tank if it decides to make a break for it!
Replace Everything – After your long distance trip, try to move everything smoothly but quickly into its new position so that the fish tank can begin returning to normal conditions. Re-install any filters, plants, air pumps, and get the oxygen levels back to normal as soon as possible and keep a close eye on your fish for altered behaviors or appearance which may be a sign of excessive stress suffered during the trip.

What About Using a Bucket To Transport Fish?

As an absolute last resort, a bucket can work in a pinch to transport fish.

Buckets are dangerous for most fish because they have more potential to spill , and have harder sides that your fish may impact against during the journey.

Why Is It Not Recommended to Use A Bucket?

Imagine hitting the brakes during a typical day of traffic. Fish in bags are unlikely to suffer physical harm from this.

In a bucket, there is increased danger over other types of containers of not only spilling, but of having the fish impact against the side of the bucket itself!

Using Buckets For Moving Fish

If using a bucket for transporting fish, the process is somewhat similar to that of fish bags, but with a more durable container.

However, it is worth remembering that buckets can be potentially unstable. To transport fish with a bucket, we recommend a minimum of 5-gallons for anything but large fish which will likely need more space to feel comfortable. But a five-gallon bucket can also be an easy way to transport multiple fish (small fish species only) in the same container.

Fill Your Bucket – Add around half of the bucket’s worth of aquarium water prior to transporting fish.
Add Your Fish – To ensure maximum oxygen while you transport fish, add the fish right after the water has been added so that none is wasted. You must stop feeding them to keep conditions in the bag safe for the fish during transport.
Put A Lid On It – Adding a lid can help protect your fish from falling out or having more water spill out of the bucket (and therefore losing the dissolved oxygen) during the trip.
Get Your Fish In A Tank – As soon as the short distance trip is over, move your fish into its proper container so that it can begin to destress and get back to normal and go from survive to thrive.

Throughout today’s article, we’ve looked at a few different methods for how to transport fish both short and long distances.

Our recommendation is first bag your fish for shorter distances, and then look at potentially using a larger container with more oxygen such as an aquarium if your trip will be up to a few days in length.

Feel Free To Share!

Feel free to share this information with any other fish fanatics you may know, and we wish you the best of luck on your aquatic adventures!

Dr. Mollie Newton

Founder of PetMeTwice. I'm a doctor of Veterinary Medicine and avid Aquarist. I love learning and teaching fellow fish lovers how to keep their fish healthy and happy. 🐠 🤩

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How To Transport Fish – Tips For Long And Short Distance Travel

Just bought a fish and bringing them home? Or moving to a new home? Whenever the fish is in transit, this will be a very stressful time for them. Knowing how to transport fish correctly is crucial to their health.

Whether you’re transporting the fish short distances or long distances like across the country, you’ll need to put them in the right container and provide them with plenty of oxygen. Below are tips to transport the fish and keep them alive and healthy.

How To Transport Fish In A Car

When transporting fish, a car is the easiest way and fastest way to get the fish from point A to point B. Just being in transit will cause the fish to be stressed so you’ll want to get the fish to their destination as quickly as possible.

Below are some tips on how to transport the fish safely and securely to their destination.

Don’t Transport Fish In A Bucket

When moving fish around, most people look for the easiest thing to carry a fish in. This is usually a bucket that’s lying around. A bucket is great for putting the fish in while you’re cleaning the tank or moving the tank to a different area of the house.

However, when transporting them farther than the house, a bucket will not work. This is a big mistake that you can make.

As you know, we don’t live in a perfect world. On the roads, there are pot holes, bad drivers, and traffic lights. All these things will require you to depress the car brakes. Sometimes, you’ll need to bring the car to a quick stop. When this happens, the bucket may spill or tip completely over, causing the fish to fall out of the bucket. The fish may die instantly due to an injury caused by the falling bucket. If not, it may die later due to stress.

Transporting Fish In An Aquarium

When moving to a different home, some people think it’s a good idea just to move the entire aquarium with the fish in it. While this may seem like a good idea, there are some precautions you need to take.

When it comes to an aquarium, especially a glass one, there’s really no way of securing them to the car so this isn’t recommended as well. There’s no way of driving the car smoothly enough where the fish won’t get injured.

You’ll have to drive very slowly to prevent the water from swishing around in the aquarium. If you’re transporting the fish over a long distance, be prepared to add additional time for driving to the destination.

If you still insist on moving the fish in the aquarium, remove about half the water out of the tank. In addition, remove all decorations to prevent it from banging into the glass of the tank, which could ultimately break it.

When placing the aquarium in the car, make sure it’s placed on something soft like a blanket. When driving the car over a bump, the blanket will act as a cushion to prevent a hard impact on the aquarium. Without a blanket or something else soft, when driving over a bump or pothole, on the impact the glass could break due to the weight of the water in it.

Transporting Fish In A Plastic Bag

When choosing a plastic bag, most people will go for a grocery bag. It’s large and plentiful in the kitchen. However, grocery bags are not recommended for transporting fish due to its construction. Grocery bags are meant to carrying solid items, not carrying water. The seams along the grocery bags can tear easily, especially with the weight of the water. In addition, the bag itself is thin in design, which is prone to be damaged easily.

The best type of bag to use for transporting fish is a fish bag. A fish bag is typically made of a special type of foam and nylon webbing. They are designed to keep the fish safe while being transported. Fish bag is sold in pet stores and most places that sell fish.

If a fish bag isn’t available, make sure the plastic bag that you’ll be using doesn’t have any holes in them. Simply pour water into it and see if the bag leaks water.

Once your bag is ready for use, put aquarium water that the fish has been living in into the plastic bag. Doing so will help keep your fish alive during transportation because it has the right parameters.

Depending on the fish size, you’ll want to use the appropriate container to carry the fish. For small fish, put a couple of them in the plastic bag. For large fish, it’s best to just put one in each bag or in a Rubbermaid tub.

When the fish are in the plastic bag, they only have about an hour to survive due to limited oxygen supply. If you are traveling longer than an hour, it’s recommended to get pure oxygen and put it in the bag before going. Pure oxygen will provide the needed oxygen for the fish while they are in the bag. Make sure to buy a couple as these pure oxygen tablets last only for a couple of hours or less, depending on how much oxygen your fish needs.

Oxygen For Fish Transport

When you’re transporting the fish from one location to another location via a car, it’s important that the fish get enough oxygen. Oxygen is crucial for the health of the fish. Without oxygen, the fish can start to develop health issues and may even die.

To prevent this problem, depending on how far and how long you’ll be traveling with the fish, it’s best to prepare the trip with a supply of oxygen. The supply of oxygen can be in the form of pure oxygen tablets or using an air pump.

If you’re planning to transport the fish over a long distance, it’s best to use an air pump to supply oxygen. For this setup, you’ll need an air pump, air hose, an air stone, and a power inverter to supply power to the air pump. With this setup, there would be an endless supply of oxygen for the fish.

For shorter distances that is under an hour or so, you can use pure oxygen tablets to supply oxygen for the fish. What these tablets do is release bubbles of air into the aquarium. Once the bubbles reach the surface of the water, it will exchange gases with oxygen.

Pure oxygen tablets are great to use for shorter trips because they usually only last for an hour or so. The more fish you have been transported, the quicker the tablet will dissolve.

How To Transport Fish Short Distances

When transporting fish short distances, you won’t need a lot of things. For short distance trips, you’ll just need plastic bags to put the fish in and a couple of oxygen tablets.

For small fish, a plastic bag will do the job. Just make sure to not use grocery bags as it could tear easily due to the weight of the water or the fish fins. Place a couple of fish in each bag. Make sure they have room to move around easily.

For larger fish like pond fish, a large container like a Rubbermaid tub is recommended. It’s easier to put the fish in and take them out. In addition, since the large fish are strong, the sturdiness of the tub can withstand the force of the fish.

Once the fish is in the plastic bags or the tub, drop an oxygen tablet into the water. Without the oxygen tablet, the fish can survive on its own up to an hour. But to be on the safe side, it’s best to add oxygen tablets for the fish.

How To Transport Fish Long Distance

When transporting fish long distance, you’ll need to prepare a lot of things in advance. Since the fish will be in transport for over a longer period of time, they will get stressed. When fish get stressed, they can become ill and die.

To prepare for a long trip (0ver 4 hours) with the fish, make sure to do the following:

Aquarium Water Change

Make sure to change the water a couple of days before moving. This will help ensure that the water is clean. Empty about 20% of the water of the aquarium and refill it back.

Aquarium Plants And Decoration

For the plants and decorations, you’ll want to remove all of them out of the tank and place them in a plastic bag. Before putting them in the bag, clean them thoroughly to get rid of all the debris and uneaten food that might get stuck on there.

If it’s live plants, pour the aquarium water into a plastic bag and put the plants in it. Try not to overcrowd the plants in each bag.

Oxygen Supplies

Oxygen is very crucial for fish health so you don’t want to overlook this. For the oxygen, you can either buy an oxygen tablet or use an air pump to supply oxygen for the fish. Both are great to use and have their advantages and disadvantages.

For long-distance travel, it’s recommended to use an air pump. With an air pump, you won’t have to worry about the fish not having oxygen. However, with an air pump, you’ll need additional items to make it work. An air stone, air hose, and the power inverter are needed. If you have large fish that are being transported, an air pump is the recommended choice to use to supply the fish with oxygen.

For smaller fish, oxygen tablet is fine to use. However, it will be a bit of work to keep checking to see if the oxygen tablet is all dissolved. Oxygen tablets will need to be added every hour or so to help keep the water oxygenated. The more fish you have, the faster the oxygen tablet will dissolve. Before heading out, buy plenty of oxygen tablets for the trip.

Using The Right Containers

When it comes to long-distance travel, the plastic bag shouldn’t be used at all. Plastic bags are great for short distance travel, but not long distances. You’ll need to provide oxygen for the fish every hour and opening and closing the plastic bag will be a lot of work, especially if you have a lot of fish.

The containers that are suitable for transporting the fish long distance are Rubbermaid tub, Styrofoam container, or a cooler. These containers are big, sturdy, and are easy to add oxygen supplies to them.

Depending on your fish species, make sure to have plenty of fish food for a long trip. An hour or so before putting them in the container, feed them regularly as you would.

Once you’re on the road, follow the same feeding schedule as you would do at home. When feeding them, it’s a good idea to stop the car first and feed them. If you try to feed them while the car is moving, it probably be hard for the fish to try and eat the fish food.

How To Transport Large Fish

When it comes to transporting large fish, this can be very challenging for anyone. First off, they are large, heavy, and strong. Not knowing how to properly transport them can cause injury not just to the fish, but yourself as well. In order to transport large fish safely, you need the right equipment with the right setup.

Before catching the fish, it’s recommended to get all the equipment and gear first. Below are the items you’ll need to transport the large fish safely:

30 gallon or larger clean Rubbermaid tub or similar item with a lid
Stress Coat Drops
Aquarium Water
An aquarium air pump with an air hose
A 50 watt or 100-watt power inverter that can be plugged into your car
A large fishing net and an extra helping hand

Once you got all the items ready, it’s time to prepare the fish for transport. First, clean the Rubbermaid tub with water until it’s cleaned of debris and dirt. Try not to use soap or detergent as the residue maybe left in the tub. Due to the strong chemicals used in the soap and detergent, it could kill the fish.

Next, fill the tub a little more than half full of aquarium or pond water that the fish is swimming in right now. After filling the tub, grab the stress coat drops and add it to the water in the tub. The stress coat drop will help relieve stress and calm down the fish while it’s being transported.

Now use the large fishing net to grab the fish from the pond or aquarium and place it in the tub. It’s best to just put one fish per tub, with a maximum of 2 fish per tub. You’ll want to leave them some room to swim to prevent them from being stressed.

Once the large fish is in the tub, carry the tub and put it in the car. It’s best to put them on a truck, but if you have just a car, the back seat works fine.

After the tub and fish is in the care, take the air pump and drop the air hose into the tub. Then plug the air pump to the power inverter and plug the power inverter to the car’s cigarette lighter or another power supply outlet in the car.

With this setup, you can transport the fish to any destination that you want. The fish has a continuous supply of oxygen so you won’t have to worry if the large fish can’t breathe. However, you may want to reach your destination as soon as possible. A large fish is used to being out in a large open space. When you have them contained in a small area, they may get stressed.

Commonly Asked Questions

Can you transport fish in a ziplock bag.

Technically, Ziplock bags can be used for transporting the fish because it’s a bag. However, it should only be used for a short period of time.

With Ziplock bags, the issue with them is their design that makes it less than ideal for transporting fish. Ziplock bags are narrow, perfect for storing sandwiches and other food items, but not fish. Due to its narrowness, it will be hard for the fish to swim in.

The ideal bag for them should be large and round, which will allow them ample room to swim around. Fish need to swim in order to breathe. With a Ziplock bag, that will be very difficult for the fish to do.

If you must use a Ziplock bag, make sure you need to use it just for a couple of minutes. Ziplock bags are fine if it’s used for temporary storing the fish while you move the fish tank to a different location of the house.

Where To Buy Fish Transport Bags

Transport bags can be bought at most pet stores. Besides pet stores, you can buy fish transport bags at Amazon too.

It’s best to use transport bags for transporting fish than the grocery bags. Grocery bags are not meant to hold water and because the material is thin, it tends to leak easily.

Can Fish Suffocate In Bags?

Yes, fish can definitely suffocate in bags. Sadly, this is usually the case of a dead fish when it reached its destination. Most people underestimate how much time a fish can survive in a bag. The weather, how many fish are in the bag, and how far the fish is being transported is a big factor in how long the fish can survive in the bag.

Most of the time, when you buy a fish or a couple of fish, it’s put into a small bag with no more than a couple liters of water in it. The more fish that’s in there, the more oxygen the fish will breathe in. Usually, in an hour, the oxygen in the bag will all be depleted. When this happens, the fish will start to suffocate and die.

To prevent the fish from suffocating in the bag, you’ll either have to rush home real quickly or buy pure oxygen from the fish store. These pure oxygen are tablets that you drop into the water and it will provide oxygen for the fish. This is great if you’re planning to do extra shopping or transporting the fish which will be longer than 1 hour.

Fred has been a fishkeeper his whole life. At the age of 3 yrs old, he got started with a goldfish that was given to him on his birthday. Ever since then, he loved caring for fish of all types and species. Beside fishkeeping, he enjoy fly fishing and the outdoors with his 4 kids.

Barriers to Fish Migration

One reason fish populations struggle is that barriers prevent them from reaching the upstream habitat where they breed and grow. Learn why fish migration is important and what we’re doing to help.

Why is fish migration important, what types of barriers affect fish migration, how do barriers impact fish, what is noaa fisheries doing to improve fish migration, what is the role of noaa fisheries in hydropower facilities, how successful have we been at improving fish migration.

Alewife and Blueback herring.Ticonic Falls3.jpg

Every year, millions of fish— salmon, steelhead trout, shad, alewives, and sturgeon, among others—migrate to their native habitats to reproduce. Some fish need to swim thousands of miles through oceans and rivers to reach their destination. They are often blocked from completing their journey by engineered barriers, such as dams and culverts. When fish can’t reach their habitat, they can’t reproduce and build their populations.

Common types of barriers are dams and culverts. Although dams provide benefits, such as hydroelectric power and irrigation, many are now obsolete. Some of these dams have fallen into disrepair and are now considered hazards to humans.

Hydropower dams use the energy of river water spilling down the height of a dam to power turbines, which generate electricity. These dams can also prevent fish from swimming upstream.

Culverts (tunnels that carry a stream under a road) can also be barriers to fish migration when they are too small or steep or are perched too high to allow fish to pass.

In the United States, more than 2 million dams and other barriers block fish from migrating upstream. As a result, many fish populations have declined.

For example, Atlantic salmon used to be found in every river north of the Hudson River. Due to dams and other threats, less than half of 1 percent of the historic population remains. The last remnant populations of Atlantic salmon in U.S. waters exist in just a few rivers and streams in central and eastern Maine. They are an endangered species.

Reduced fish populations affect the entire ecosystem, since they are often important prey for other animals. They are often crucial to commercial and recreational fisheries, so reduced numbers can impact local economies as well.

NOAA Fisheries works to protect and restore river habitat through a variety of programs and partnerships. We work with conservation organizations, energy companies, states, tribes, and citizens to evaluate the best option for each barrier. We understand that most barriers have the same general impact on fish—blocking their migration—but each requires a specific set of conservation actions.

In cases where there is support for removal and where barriers are no longer serving their intended purpose, we open rivers and streams for fish by completely removing barriers. This can mean removing them with heavy equipment like bulldozers and excavators, or even blasting them away with dynamite. Sometimes—with hydroelectric or historic dams—we can’t remove the barriers so we help fish swim around them instead. We also enlarge culverts to allow a more natural flow of water for fish to swim through.

Because hydropower dams can affect habitat and marine resources, we work with partners including other federal agencies, industry, states, non-governmental organizations, and tribes to identify and implement solutions to reopen rivers to migratory fish while preserving hydropower generation. These facilities generally operate under a license from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. These licenses typically last decades—30 to 50 years. When licenses need to be renewed, we have an opportunity to review how the power plant operates.

We review information about the facility’s operations and evaluate project impacts on migratory fish and their habitat. We can require improved fish passage to ensure the safe, timely, and effective upstream and downstream passage of migrating fish, and recommend conditions to the license that will protect or improve habitat and fish populations.

After a license is issued, we work closely with the hydropower companies to monitor the progress of fish migration at these facilities.

With the input, expertise, and support of our partners, we have conducted more than 700 fish migration projects, including dam removals and hydropower facility updates. Together, these projects have opened nearly 7,000 miles of rivers and streams for fish migration.

Case Study: Penobscot River Restoration in Maine

The Penobscot River is New England’s second largest river—home to 11 migratory fish species, including three listed under the Endangered Species Act. The river also hosts the largest run of Atlantic salmon left in the United States. But dams and other barriers and water pollution have severely reduced numbers of many migratory fish in the watershed.

Since 2003, we have supported the efforts of the Penobscot River Restoration Trust and other partners to restore the river. We have provided funding and technical assistance for a large-scale effort to improve fish passage in more than 1,000 miles of river and stream habitat. We helped remove the lowest two dams on the river and are working with partners to identify priority areas for fish passage projects throughout the watershed. These efforts will help Atlantic salmon and other fish reach their upstream habitat, while maintaining hydropower production and increasing opportunities for recreation.

In 2015, endangered shortnose sturgeon reached habitat in the Penobscot River that had been blocked by dams for more than a century. More than half a million river herring—45 times more than in 2013—were counted at a former dam site, and Atlantic salmon numbers are the highest since 2011.

Fish Need to Move! Learning About Fish Migration - Fish Facts

About this Collection

Fish need to move! They move to find food, places to spawn or they move to escape extreme temperatures and high and low water flows. Some travel long distances while others stick closer to home. But, they all need connected habitats. Unfortunately over 6-million man-made barriers, like dams and poorly designed road culverts, keep fish from getting to where they need to go.

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27 Fish that Migrate (A to Z List with Pictures)

Examples of fish that migrate include alewives, American paddlefish, Atlantic cod, Atlantic salmon, and beluga sturgeon.

Migrating fish swim thousands of miles in search of food, spawning grounds, and better living conditions due to seasonal changes. Some species, like salmon, even travel upriver to lay their eggs.

Let’s take a look at some examples of fish that migrate and why they do it.

Examples of Fish that Migrate

1. alewives.

These small, silvery fish migrate in large schools in late spring from the ocean into estuaries and rivers to spawn.

Related Article: 13 Fish that Look Like Dragons

2. American Paddlefish

The American paddlefish is a freshwater fish that is native to North America. It can grow to be over six feet long and weigh over 200 pounds. The American paddlefish migrates in search of food. plankton, which it feeds on, is more abundant in certain areas at different times of the year.

3. Atlantic Cod

The Atlantic cod is a migratory fish that swims in the ocean waters off the coast of North America. Every year, they migrate south to escape the cold weather and find better feeding grounds. In the spring, they return to their northern homes to spawn.

4. Atlantic Salmon

Atlantic salmon are born in freshwater rivers, but they spend most of their lives in the ocean. Around the time they reach sexual maturity, typically after 3-5 years, they return to their natal river to spawn. After spawning, they die.

The journey back to their natal river can be thousands of miles long and is fraught with danger, including predators, parasites, and disease. But the urge to reproduce is strong, and salmon will risk everything to make it back to their birthplace to lay their eggs.

5. Beluga Sturgeon

The Beluga Sturgeon is a large, white fish that can grow up to 20 feet long and weigh over 2,000 pounds. They are found in the cold waters of the Arctic Ocean and migrate to the warmer waters of the Caspian Sea to spawn.

6. Black Sea Salmon

The Black Sea salmon is a species of migratory fish that is found in the Black Sea and the adjacent rivers. Salmon migrate in order to breed and lay their eggs in freshwater rivers. After hatching, the young salmon spend several months in freshwater before migrating to the sea where they spend the majority of their lives.

7. Blue Cod

Found in the waters around New Zealand, blue cod migrate in search of food. Their diet consists mainly of small invertebrates, so they move to areas where these creatures are abundant.

8. Chinook Salmon

The Chinook salmon is the largest species of Pacific salmon. They can grow up to four feet long and weigh over 60 pounds. Every year, Chinook salmon migrate from the ocean upriver to lay their eggs in freshwater streams. After hatching, the young salmon spend a few years in freshwater before migrating back to the ocean to live out the rest of their lives. The Chinook salmon’s annual migration can be over 3,000 km long.

9. Chum Salmon

Chum salmon are found in the northern Pacific Ocean and migrate to spawn in rivers in Alaska, British Columbia, and Washington. Every fall, chum salmon leave the ocean and swim upriver to lay their eggs in freshwater gravel beds.

10. Coho Salmon

Every fall, coho salmon migrate from the Pacific Ocean back to their freshwater birthplace to spawn. The journey can be over 1,000 miles long and requires them to swim upstream through rivers and creeks.

11. European Eel

The European eel is a long, snake-like fish that can be found in rivers and lakes all across Europe. Every year, millions of eels migrate from their homes in freshwater to the Atlantic Ocean to mate and lay eggs.

12. European Sea Sturgeon

These fish can grow up to 20 feet long and live in the Atlantic Ocean. Every spring, they migrate from the Mediterranean Sea into the Black Sea to spawn.

13. Green Sturgeon

The green sturgeon is a large fish that can live up to 60 years. It is found in the Pacific Ocean from Alaska to central California. Every year, adult green sturgeons migrate upstream to spawn in rivers. After spawning, they return to the ocean.

14. Hawaiian Freshwater Goby

The Hawaiian freshwater goby is a small fish that is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. It is found in streams and rivers on all of the main islands, except for Kahoʻolawe.

These fish migrate in search of food and better living conditions. During the wet season, the gobies move to higher elevations in search of food. As the water level lowers in the dry season, the fish move to lower elevations where there is more water.

15. Herring

Herring migrate in large schools, sometimes consisting of millions of fish. They travel to find food or to escape predators. Herring have a special sense called lateral line which allows them to sense movement in the water around them. This sense helps them stay together in large groups while they are migrating.

16. Lake Sturgeon

These giant freshwater fish can grow up to 7 feet long and live for over 100 years! They are bottom-feeders and eat things like insects, crayfish, and small fish.

Every spring, sturgeon migrate upstream to lay their eggs in rivers and streams. After spawning, they head back downstream to the lakes where they spend the rest of the year.

17. Mekong Giant Catfish

The Mekong giant catfish lives in the Mekong River in Southeast Asia. It can grow to be over 10 feet long and weigh up to 660 pounds. The fish is endangered and is only found in this one river.

During the dry season, the water level in the Mekong River drops significantly. This forces the fish to migrate to deeper waters in order to find food and avoid being stranded on land.

18. North American Eel

Eels are a type of fish that spend most of their lives in freshwater rivers and lakes, but they must return to the ocean to spawn.

Some eels travel as far as 3,700 miles from North America to the Sargasso Sea in order to mate and lay their eggs.

19. Red Tuna

Red tuna migrate to different areas in search of food. As the water temperatures change, so does the location of their prey. In order to follow their food source, red tuna must migrate to where the food is plentiful.

20. Russian Sturgeon

The Russian sturgeon is a species of fish that is found in the Black and Caspian seas. They can grow to be up to six feet long and weigh over 200 pounds. These fish migrate in order to spawn. They travel from the Black sea into the River Danube where they lay their eggs.

These fish travel up the Chesapeake Bay to spawn in the spring. They follow the same path every year, moving from the Atlantic Ocean into freshwater rivers and streams.

22. Shortnose Sturgeon

The shortnose sturgeon is a threatened species of fish that can be found in the eastern United States. Every year, they migrate up the Hudson River to spawn in the spring. They travel back down the river in the fall.

23. Siberian Sturgeon

The Siberian sturgeon is a type of fish that is found in the rivers and lakes of Siberia. Every year, these fish migrate upstream to lay their eggs in the shallow waters near the shore. The journey can be as long as 1,000 miles.

One reason why the Siberian sturgeon migrate is to avoid the cold winters in Siberia. The water temperatures in the rivers and lakes can drop to below freezing, and the sturgeon need to migrate to warmer waters to survive.

24. Sockeye Salmon

Sockeye salmon are anadromous fish, meaning they live in the ocean but return to freshwater to spawn. Every year, sockeye salmon migrate from the ocean back to their natal streams in Alaska and British Columbia. The journey can be over 2,000 miles long and is one of the longest migrations of any vertebrate animal.

25. Steelhead Trout

Steelhead trout are a type of salmon that is found in the Pacific Ocean. Every year, they migrate upriver to lay their eggs. The journey can be up to 3,000 miles long.

Steelhead trout migrate in order to find the best possible spawning grounds. Since they lay their eggs in rivers, they need to find stretches of river that are clean and have a good water supply. They also need to find areas where there are lots of other steelhead trout so that their eggs will have a good chance of surviving.

26. White Sturgeon

The white sturgeon is a freshwater fish that can grow to be up to 20 feet long and weigh over 1,000 pounds. They are found in rivers and lakes all across North America, from Alaska all the way down to California.

Every year, between late fall and early winter, the white sturgeon migrate upstream to spawn in the shallower waters of rivers and streams. After spawning, they return back downstream to the deeper waters where they spend the rest of the year.

27. White Tuna

White tuna are found in all oceans, but they migrate to different areas at different times of year. In the spring and summer, they move to cooler waters near the poles. In the fall and winter, they move to warmer waters near the equator. They do this to follow their food source – small fish that are also migrating.

There are many different types of fish that migrate. Some migrate to breed, some to find food, and others to escape predators. Migration can be a difficult journey, and many fish don’t survive the trip. But for those that do, migration provides an important way to keep populations healthy and ensure the continuation of their species.

Hi, I’m Garreth. Living in South Africa I’ve had the pleasure of seeing most of these animals up close and personal. When I was younger I always wanted to be a game ranger but unfortunately, life happens and now at least I get to write about them and tell you my experiences.

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Suskeena Lodge, Sustut River British Columbia, Canada We have some dead-center steelhead weeks available on the Sustut River outfitted by Suskeena Lodge. The early Tyee Test Fishery results point to a strong return of wild steelhead in the Skeena River drainage this year. Here is your chance to get in on the ground floor with a prime week! September. 17 – 24, 2024: 5 rods October 8 – 15, 2024: 5 rods

Kendjam Lodge, Brazil Amazonia Due to a recent cancellation, we have 3 rods available the week of August 25th to September 1st – a prime week! REGULAR RATE: $6,990 + $600 (native fee) per person; double occupancy CANCELLATION OFFER: $5,250 + $520 (native fee) per person; double occupancy. Email The Fly Shop to learn more about this prime week!

Chosen River Outfitters, Western, Alaska David Stelling, owner of Chosen River Outfitters on the Kanektok River, AK, has some very hard to secure float trip weeks become available due to some recent cancellations. Normal rate for this float is $7,500 he is now offering them at $6,000 – a $1,500 discount! David’s float trips down the Kanektok are legendary, what Alaska was like 40 years ago! Great fishing, seasoned guides, state-of-the art equipment, awesomeness start to finish… Contact Pat Pendergast for more information. July 14 – 20, 2024 (4 rods available) July 22 – 28, 2024 (2 rods available) August 17 – 23, 2024 (2 rods available)

Duncan’s Steelhead Camp – Kodiak Island, Alaska We’ve just been made aware of two last minute openings at the Duncan’s Invitation Creek Steelhead Camp on Kodiak Island, specifically for the dates of: October 5 to 12. 2024 – 1 spot As the camp’s name (Invitation) would suggest, open space almost never come available for this wilderness steelhead experience…with only 6 anglers a week, a short season, and a stream full of steelhead, demand understandably outstrips availability. Both weeks traditionally see steelhead entering the stream in numbers rarely seen in the steelhead world – the earlier dates will also see a lot of silver salmon. It is small water, great for dead-drifting or swinging, though only with single- handed rods – double-handers are just too much for the size of water. These wild fish are mint- bright and only a rifle shot from the salt, averaging 24 to 27-inches with quite a few from 28 to 30. A big steelhead here will be 32 to 35 inches. The river is too small to run boats on, so all fishing is accessed via hiking the river and rewards those who are comfortable hiking one to three miles a day. Contact Mike Mercer for more information.

Talaheim Lodge, Alaska Here’s a great opportunity in Alaska that our friend Mark Miller made us aware of. He has six rods available September 1 – 7, 2024 that he is discounting a $1,000 off the normal $8,600 per person weekly rate. This is Mark’s #1 week – wade fishing for big trout and char using helicopters to access very remote fisheries. Contact Mike Mercer for more information.

Andros South, Bahamas WOW, check out this prime week at Andros South, does it get any better? We don’t think so… Get your bonefish on next spring in the Bahamas. This week is being hosted by at TFS staff member. March 02 – 09, 2025 (12 rods) – new moon April 8th | Email Eric Ersch to learn more about this prime week!

SIGNATURE DESTINATIONS

Our Signature Destinations are a cross section of the planet's finest fly fishing lodges, outfitters, and camps. They're an honor roll of great fishing spots, and the culmination of more than four decades of field exploration, experience, and hands-on involvement by the #1 team of fly fishing... Read More

SALTWATER DESTINATIONS

Though oceans cover more than 70% of the Earth's surface, saltwater occupies a very small percentage of the attention of the world of fly fishing. Still, flats fishing is the fastest growing segment of the sport, and a wonderful way to both expand your fly fishing season and angling horizon. Read more...

FRESHWATER DESTINATIONS

From the remote, hard-core, Kamchatka and Alaska bush camps to our luxurious Tierra del Fuego sea trout lodges, all these world-class fly fishing experiences share common threads that extend beyond great angling. Search our site by lodge name or look here for the best freshwater... Read more...

LOWER 48 TRAVEL

Introducing the newest fly fishing travel options from The Fly Shop®. The lodges and outfitters we have assembled for our Lower 48 Program are a collection of friends we have fished with, and associates we have helped with international trips over the last 43 years. Read More...

FISH SPECIES

Decades ago we recognized the demand for species specific fishing, and have been working hard to match our clients to the ideal fishing destination, matching the fish to their angling desires. Find the perfect lodge for the species you want to pursue. Read more...

LODGES & CAMPS

This is a complete portfolio of what The Fly Shop's expert travel staff feels are the top fresh and saltwater fly fishing lodges and camps on five continents. We've visited every one to ensure they meet our standards and will meet your expectations. Read more...

TRAVEL EXPERTS

Our staff, in this past year alone, visited 49 different destinations. We’ve logged over half a million air miles and we are still chompin’ at the bit to get out and discover the next great angling location. Intrepid, tenacious and the vanguard of travel. Our travel team has our finger on the pulse that measure the sport, & more than 150 years of collective fly... Read more...

HOSTED TRIPS

Each year The Fly Shop’s travel staff circles the globe, keeping our finger on the pulse of our sport and searching for new and exciting fly fishing adventures. You can always expect the best from our network of lodges and outfitters. But when you’re on a trip hosted by one of our team, you’re assured an extra measure of the white-glove treatment and can... Read more...

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Couples Fly Fishing Vacations

There are some fly fishing lodges that do a great job of catering to angling couples, families and non-fishing companions, and the staff here at The Fly Shop® are experts at creating angling holidays that can be a memorable combination of interests. Read more...

Family Fly Fishing Vacations

Over the course of the last forty years, The Fly Shop® has helped create hundreds of holidays to fly fishing destinations that include a variety of activities which expand the concept of vacation for anglers with non-fishing companions or kids who would rather watch paint dry than pick up a fly rod. Read more...

TRAVEL Chronicles

One of the wonderful things about fly fishing is that there is always somewhere new to fish. Whether you are just getting started in fly fishing travel, or have pursued a variety of species around the globe, The Fly Shop® has a destination for you! Read more...

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Traveling with Seafood

She sells sea shells by the sea shore. She also sells seafood by the…okay, didn't know where we could go from there. The point is many of you may be interested in bringing seafood back from your trip and wondering if it's possible.

Today we bring you good news! In most circumstances, your seafood is good to go. Just follow our advice below and your trip through security will go swimmingly .

A Snacking Oppor-tuna-ty

No matter if you’re putting together a tuna snack for your plane ride or taking home some fresh smoked salmon from your latest trip to Alaska, there are some things to know about bringing cooked seafood with you through security. As long as the seafood isn’t in liquid, you will have no issue bringing it in your carry-on or checked bag. However, if there is liquid packaged with the food – and yes, this includes any canned seafood – you will have to pack the item in your checked bag or leave it at home.

Do it for the Halibut

Be sure to follow the proper protocol for seafood that needs to be kept on ice. If it is packed with ice or ice packs in a cooler or other container, the ice or ice packs must be COMPLETELY frozen when brought through screening. Ice or ice packs that are partially melted and have liquid at the bottom of the container will not be permitted.

You also can pack frozen perishables in your carry-on or checked bags in dry ice. Just remember that the FAA limits you to 5 pounds of dry ice that is properly packaged and marked. Visit the FAA website for more information.

Don’t Get Crabby

You may be asking yourself, “Can I bring my favorite blue crabs home with me?” Well, you’re in luck. Live seafood is permitted in both carry-on and checked bags. If you choose to bring live seafood, we recommend you place your seafood in a separate, ideally clear, container and remove it from the rest of your items for the screening process.

Want to Talk to Salmon Else?

While our officers will happily screen any item, we recommend that you check with the airline to ensure it will fit in the overhead bin or under the seat.

We want to make sure you have all your questions answered before your next flight. So if you’re getting ready to travel with your favorite seafood, you can reach out to AskTSA on Twitter or Facebook Messenger 7 days a week to answer all your fishy questions. Or, if you prefer to speak with a representative, you can reach out to the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673.

About This Blog

The purpose of this blog is to share the latest news and helpful information with the public. If you have questions about TSA or the information presented here, please contact our AskTSA customer care team on Twitter or Facebook .

TSA is committed to protecting privacy and securing personal information. For details, see our website Privacy Policy .

Stay informed on our latest news!

How to Transport Fish When Moving: Follow These Tips From Expert Movers

If you are wondering how to transport fish in a safe way, there are a few different ways you can do so. Transporting your fish properly, whether for a short or long distance move, is important to ensure your fish does not suffocate or become overly stressed out. Knowing what to pack first when moving is difficult enough as it is, especially when packing fish is included. Let’s look more into how to move a fish to a new house in the best ways possible.

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How to Travel With Fish in a Car

Knowing how to transport fish in a car is not as difficult as you might think. However, if you don’t do it properly, you are taking the risk of killing your fish. It is important to remember that it doesn’t take much for fish to become stressed, especially when they are inside a moving car for a long period of time.

If you are planning on bringing your fish along with you for a long distance drive, there is a high chance that your fish might not make it to your destination. If you want to give your fish the best chances at survival in the car, consider these suggestions on how to best transport your fish in a car.

Keeping Your Fish in the Aquarium

Moving an aquarium with the fish inside is not the best form of transporting your fish, but it can work. If your fish is in a glass aquarium, it is necessary to use extra caution when transporting your fish in the car. Glass aquariums are difficult to travel with, as the water inside the aquarium moves around a lot and they really cannot be secured.

If you plan on keeping your fish in the aquarium when you travel, be sure to remove enough water so it is not super full, but it should be full enough for your fish to have room. Learning how to move a fish tank can be difficult, so it is important to take the right steps to move it properly. Make sure to take out any decorations or objects inside the aquarium or tank that can move around easily so your aquarium does not become cracked.

Try Not to Use a Bucket

Using a bucket to transport your fish is definitely not the best idea. This is because there is a high chance of the bucket spilling in the car if you need to hit your brakes quickly or you need to make a sharp turn. If that happens, your fish are going to spill out of the bucket and can die.

It is highly recommended to not use a bucket when transporting your fish, but if you have no other means of transportation for your fish it can be done. Be sure not to fill the bucket up too much and have a passenger securely hold the bucket when in the car to help it from moving around too much.

Use a Plastic Bag

This is the best way of transporting your fish in the car. All you need to do is fill up a clear and strong plastic bag halfway with water from your fish tank. Once you do that, place your fish in the bag. It is important to use the same water your fish has been living in from its tank or aquarium since it has the right specifications to help keep your fish alive while outside of its normal home.

Your fish can only survive in a plastic bag for about an hour due to a limited oxygen supply. If you need to keep your fish in a bag for longer than an hour, you will need to get pure oxygen to put in the bag from your nearest pet store or aquarium store. Check out this video to demonstrate how to properly travel with your fish in a plastic bag.

How to Take Fish on a Plane

Traveling with your fish on a plane can be stressful, for both you and your fish. It is possible to travel with your fish on a plane if you are moving. Fish are allowed as a carry-on item on an airplane but need to be inside clear plastic bags. If you need help packing for your move, check out a moving app like Agoyu to help locate the best movers in your area so you can get the help you might need when packing. If you are not hiring a moving company, take note of these steps to help prepare you for traveling with your fish.

Prepare for Transport

You will need to start preparing to move your fish about five days before you move. Regularly clean their tank to make sure it doesn’t change color or get dirty. You will need to make sure your fish’s water has the right elements. You can do this by not feeding your fish for one to two days before you are going to move so the water does not become polluted or cloudy.

Pack Up Your Fish

As previously mentioned, use a clear and strong plastic bag to transport your fish. Make sure to not overfill the bag. You definitely should check in with your local aquarium or pet store to make sure your fish gets extra oxygen in their bag so they don’t suffocate. A pet store can add pure oxygen to your bag to ensure your fish is prepared to stay put in the bag for your trip.

If you have tropical fish, you will need to insulate the bag to keep the water at the right temperature. Goldfish, for example, will do fine without insulation. You can purchase insulated travel bags for your fish at a pet store. Getting your fish through the Transportation Security Administration at the airport can be complicated. Check out this video to learn how to safely get your fish through security and keep your fish as a carry-on item on the plane.

Reintroduce Your Fish to The Aquarium

You can safely reintroduce your fish to their aquarium a couple of different ways. You can pour your fish with the water from the plastic bag directly into the aquarium. Or you can keep them in a smaller tank temporarily until you can see that your fish is not visibly stressed out before putting them back in the aquarium.

As soon as you arrive at your destination, make sure your fish is the first thing you unpack. The last one is normally the first one you should bring out.

5 Tips for Transporting Fish

If you want to be sure your fish are transported safely throughout your moving process, follow these 5 tips for transporting fish.

1. Have Your Supplies Ready Early

You will need to have everything planned out for transporting your fish tank. It is important to pack your aquarium with care, just like you would pack any glasses for moving .

Everything inside the tank will need to be moved, such as your fish, decorations, plants, and any equipment. To make this happen, be sure to have all your supplies ready.

Plastic bags for your fish to travel in
Buckets with water in them to transport any pants from the tank (they need to be submerged in water when transporting them)
Packing tape for securing lids on any containers
A fishnet to move your fish to the plastic bag
Siphon hose to remove water from inside the tank
Any other packing supplies you need to pack up the rest of the tank

2. Place Your Fish in Their Container for Transport

This could be a plastic bag, the aquarium, or in a bucket. Be extra cautious when transporting your fish and make sure the water is right.

3. Secure Your Fish

Make sure your fish are secure and all of the belongings from their tank are secured as well. Be sure the tank is completely dry when transporting it and remove the filter.

4. Pack Up The Tank

Handle your fish tank with care as they are very fragile. Wrap the tank in bubble wrap or packing paper to ensure it does not break or crack.

5. Everything is Ready to Be Loaded Up

Load up your fish tank, accessories, and fish gently until you arrive at your destination.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to transport fish can be a difficult task, but it isn’t impossible. If you need help packing your fish tank when moving, contact Agoyu to help get a free moving quote today.

How to Move a Hot Tub: Do it the Right Way!

How to move a pool table: 4 steps to simplify the job.

Bill Mulholland

Bill Mulholland is the owner of ARC Relocation , a company that relocates thousands of employees annually, to every state in the United States, and more than 90 foreign countries, for organizations like DHL, Overstock.com, GNC, and the U.S. Government. Bill also owns a real estate brokerage and title company in Virginia.

Smithsonian Ocean

The great pacific migration of bluefin tuna.

Shortly after their first birthday, Pacific bluefin tuna ( Thunnus orientalis ) complete an impressive feat. From the spawning grounds in the Sea of Japan where they were born, the young tuna embark on a journey over 5,000 miles (8,000 km) long, across the entire Pacific Ocean to the California coast where they spend several years feeding and growing. Until recently, scientists believed only a small portion of juvenile tuna made the journey, but several new studies show that may not be the case—in some years the majority of tuna aged between one and three participate in the trans-Pacific migration.

To get to California, the fish traverse through icy, Arctic waters that sometimes reach temperatures close to 9 degrees Celsius (about 16 degrees Fahrenheit). That’s pretty chilly, even for a fish. But like the closely related Atlantic and southern bluefin, Pacific bluefin tuna have a few special adaptations to help them navigate through the cold water. As one of the few warm-blooded (or endothermic) fish, bluefin tuna retain the heat they produce as they swim. Most fish lose a lot of their body heat as the warm blood circulates through the gills. The thin capillary walls in the gills are perfect for the blood to pick up oxygen, but they also leave the blood exposed to the icy temperatures of the water. For a bluefin, that’s not a problem. Their specialized blood vessel network, also known as a counter-current heat exchange system, aligns the warm veins leaving the muscles right next to the cooler, incoming arteries so that the heat is passed from the veins to the arteries in an efficient loop. The heat stays in the muscle and never gets the chance to be sapped away in the gills.

A map of the Pacific Ocean and the migration routes of the tuna

Once the young tuna reach the shores of California they will remain there for several years, traveling up and down the coast between Mexico and sometimes as far north as Washington State. By the time the tuna reach age seven many return to the Western Pacific to spawn off the coast of Japan.

This migration is a pretty amazing feat, but the Pacific bluefin tuna population is seriously struggling. It may seem like a minor detail, but the fact that more tuna make the trans-Pacific migration than previously thought has huge implications for managing the fishery. A high demand for tuna to supply the sashimi industry means there is extraordinary fishing pressure on the species. Sushi chefs and restaurant owners pay significant money for the fresh fish—at the famous Tsukiji market in Tokyo, a single tuna was sold for 1.8 million dollars in 2013. Although buying at such an outrageous price is more of a marketing scheme to attract new bluefin-eating restaurant customers than a true representation of demand, there is little doubt that the appetite for tuna has taken its toll. Scientists from the International Scientific Committee for Tuna and Tuna-like Species (ISC) estimated in a 2016 report that only 2.6 percent of the original, pre-fished population remains, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) estimates the population is 25 percent of what it was in the 1950s when the first population data was recorded.

Tuna in a warehouse waiting to be sold at market.

If a high number of Pacific bluefin live their early lives off the coast of California, any catch limits enforced by the United States and Mexico will also impact how many tuna live long enough to swim back to Japan to spawn. Tuna caught by fishermen in the Eastern Pacific, on the West Coast of North America, will never have the chance to reproduce and help the population rebound.

Currently, a serious debate on whether to list the Pacific bluefin tuna as an endangered species, rather than the current threatened designation, is underway. And there is a glimmer of hope for the species—in September 2017 international leaders from countries that fish the tuna agreed to a goal of reaching 20 percent of the Pacific bluefin’s historic population by 2034.

So, the next time you are tempted to order a tuna sushi roll, think of its herculean effort to swim across an entire ocean and the challenges these fish face to survive. Currently, the Monterey Seafood Guide and Marine Conservation Society FISHONLINE recommend avoiding all Bluefin tuna—the Albacore tuna is a better choice. Perhaps, a little time and space are just what the Bluefin need and our decision to let them be is the key to their survival.

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Breadcrumbs

“Fish letterbox” a gamechanger for fish passage in local waterway

Our scientists and engineers find an innovative solution to help fish travel up and down Taranaki Creek.

Many of New Zealand’s native fish species like īnanga/whitebait or tuna/eels are migratory, traveling up and down rivers and streams and the ocean to complete their life cycles.

Structures like dams, culverts or floodgates can block their passage and cut them off from important breeding grounds or food sources.

The problem is, many of these structures, like floodgates, are essential for protecting the land and infrastructure around waterways.

Recently, our surface water ecologists, biodiversity staff and river engineers were struck with this very problem at Taranaki Creek in the Waimakariri District. The creek flows into the Ashley River/Rakahuri Estuary and is an important through route for native species – it's also very prone to tidal flooding.

Thinking outside the box

The old top-hung flood gate that was in place at the creek, almost totally blocked fish passage at some points of the tide cycle.

To get past at high tide, fish had to be able to dive down under a small gap along the bottom of the gate.

We needed an innovative solution.

In 2019, our engineers found that the flood gate needed replacing due to leaks – and the opportunity arrived to try something new.

Working together, engineering, science and biodiversity staff came up with the “fish letterbox”.

Taranaki Creek floodgate fish passage letterbox

The team built a vertical slot into the new flood gate to act exactly like a letterbox gap. Only a small amount of water would be able to get through when the main gate was closed, and fish could use the letterbox to swim up or downstream. If flooding is a concern, the letterbox could be manually shut.

Biodiversity advisor Chloe Armour said the process was very much an experiment, especially in trying to find the right size and placement of the slot.

“We were trying to have the maximum impact for migrating fish and the minimum impact on water levels,” she said.

Did the experiment work?

The proof is in the pudding, or in this case, the net.

To monitor the effectiveness of the letterbox, a fyke net was cut down to size and posted through the upstream side of the floodgate to catch migrating fish heading upstream. It was left out for 24 hours or two tide cycles.

The results from 24 hours of traffic through the fish letterbox slot:

The experiment was a success.

“These results showed that the letterbox was a popular upstream pathway for a wide variety of fish species,” Chloe said.

“It’s a good indicator that it’s made a positive impact for the fish that live in the estuary and this creek.”

What we learned

As with any experiment, our engineers and biodiversity staff have taken away learnings that they’ll put in place next time, and there are still lots of questions to answer.

“For future designs, we’ll build in a deeper letterbox slot, stretching down to lower tidal levels to make the gap available to fish for longer periods of time,” said Chloe.

Staff will also make changes to the monitoring, separating day and night sampling so they can see which species are travelling through when.

“We have learned a lot from this, and we plan to keep picking up these opportunities to improve fish passage as structures get upgraded on our land,” Chloe said.

“We also hope this project inspires other public and private landowners to look at ways to support fish passage as they upgrade their own in-stream infrastructure.”

Find out more about managing instream structures on your land.

Putting the net through the letterbox for monitoring

Last updated: 04 Jul 2024

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Last modified: 4th July 2024

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Unique, wacky items TSA allows travelers to bring on planes, including axes and live fish

S ometimes the items in your luggage that are flagged by TSA surprise you, and other times what they don’t flag is even more interesting.

If your travel itinerary includes a use for medieval weaponry or live organisms, perhaps you already know this, but for those who don’t, here’s a list of some of the unique and wacky things TSA lets passengers fly with.

Antlers

Antlers can be packed in carry-ons or checked bags. If you want them in a carry-on bag, make sure they are packed in something that can fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.

Artificial skeleton bones

Went to a museum on vacation? Collecting supplies for an art project? Just want artificial skeleton bones for any other completely-normal-not-suspicious reason? TSA doesn’t care!

These are allowed in both carry-on bags and checked bags.

Axes and hatchets

If your worst nightmares include fellow passengers going all “Freddy vs. Jason” in the cabin, rest assured that these are not allowed in carry-on bags.

But TSA does let you travel with them in checked bags.

Biological specimens

Some of you may have dreams of becoming the next Dr. Frankenstein. Or maybe you just really enjoy looking at crawling critters in test tubes.

Whatever floats your boat, TSA lets passengers bring non-infectious biological specimens in preservative solutions in carry-on bags and checked bags if special instructions are followed.

No more than 30 mL of free liquid solution in each inner packaging and no more than one liter in the entire outer package can be present, according to FAA regulations.

Blender

Maybe you found a great deal on a blender while on vacation that you couldn’t pass up. Or perhaps you just really love your personal kitchen gadgets.

Whatever the reason you’d be traveling with a blender, it is a TSA-approved item.

If you bring it in your carry-on bag, the blade must be removed. If not, it must be in your checked bag and should be sheathed and securely wrapped.

Bowling equipment

Bowling competitions are a pastime for plenty of people, and if this happens to be one of your favorite hobbies, you’re in luck.

TSA allows bowling balls to be transported in carry-on and checked bags. Bowling pins are allowed in checked bags only, as they are considered items that could be used as a bludgeon.

Bows and arrows

While modern society hasn’t yet morphed into the dystopian world of “The Hunger Games” novels by Suzanne Collins, there’s no reason you can’t let your inner Katniss Everdeen shine.

TSA allows bows and arrows in checked bags only, though, so you will have to prove your archery skills to other flight passengers another time.

Bread machine

Again, for those of you who love your kitchen appliances – particularly those of you who plan on making a lot of bread – bread machines are OK’d by TSA and can be packed in both carry-on and checked bags.

Cap guns

For the kids who pretend to be cowboys and cowgirls and the adults who love a bit of nostalgia, cap guns are TSA-approved as long as they are packed in checked bags and not carry-on bags.

Similarly, realistic replicas of firearms are allowed in checked baggage, too.

Cattle prods

Have you ever heard of the saying “when pigs fly”? That’s because farmhands have been flying on planes for years, and apparently some with cattle prods in tow.

Cattle prods are not allowed in carry-on luggage but can be packed in checked bags.

Compressed air guns

Compressed air guns, including paintball markers, can be carried in checked baggage only and must have the compressed air cylinder detached.

Cooked meat, seafood and vegetables (without liquid)

Much to the probable dismay of other passengers, if you wish to travel with cooked meat, seafood or vegetables, TSA allows these items to be packed in carry-on bags and checked bags.

Be sure to pack everything securely and cross your fingers you don’t end up with any flight delays.

Crampons

If you see these peeking out of the bag of your fellow traveler, don’t worry. Crampons are traction devices used for walking on firm snow and ice.

All of you adventurers out there will be happy to hear that TSA allows these in checked bags and carry-on bags with special instructions.

Cricket bats

It might not be the most common sports item to fly with, but cricket enthusiasts can sleep soundly knowing that cricket bats are allowed by TSA.

Make sure you pack your bat in a checked bag, though, and not a carry-on bag.

Foam Toy Sword

This one goes out to all the parents who have experienced the stress of asking a child to part with a newfound emotional support toy.

If your kid’s latest obsession happens to be a foam toy sword, TSA lets passengers travel with these in carry-ons and checked bags.

Formaldehyde solution

Formaldehyde solutions of less than 10% are not restricted as hazardous materials.

According to TSA, formalin is typically 35% to 40% formaldehyde by volume, so a solution that is less than 25% formalin would be less than 10% formaldehyde and not restricted.

If this is on your packing list, leak-proof packaging with absorbent material is strongly considered.

This is allowed in carry-on bags if less than or equal to 3.4 ounces/100 mL or in checked bags following special instructions.

Fresh eggs

We’re not sure how fresh packed eggs would be after a two-hour layover in a random airport, but if this sounds like something you wish to encounter in your future, TSA has given you the green light.

It might sound like we’re cracking a joke, but fresh eggs are allowed in carry-on bags and checked bags.

Gravy

Of all the items to pack on a flight, gravy probably doesn’t top the list for most people.

But for those who do wish to travel with the beloved topping, worry no more. Gravy is allowed in carry-on bags in amounts less than or equal to 3.4 ounces/100mL and in checked bags.

Handcuffs

In case handcuffs are a travel necessity of yours, TSA does not mind you traveling with these in carry-on bags or checked bags.

But please, don’t pull a “Paul Blart: Mall Cop” act of vigilante justice at your departure gate. Airport security can handle that.

Harry Potter wand

Potterheads, get excited. Harry Potter wands are allowed in carry-on bags and checked bags.

And now that our interest is piqued, we’re dying to know which Harry Potter house TSA belongs to ...

Hookahs

There’s no place like home, filled with all your personal belongings and knickknacks just the way you like ‘em.

If your home sweet home happens to include a hookah, TSA allows passengers to travel with these in carry-on bags and checked bags.

Kubatons

There are a lot of self-defense items that cannot be traveled with, but fortunately for those with kubatons, TSA is OK with them.

If you have a kubaton on your keychain, don’t forget to transfer it to your checked bag; they are not allowed in carry-on bags.

Lightsabers

A note about lightsabers on the TSA website says, “May the force be with you,” so it’s safe to say TSA is all for airline travelers being prepared to cut down enemies from other galaxies and deflect blaster bolts.

Lightsabers are allowed in both checked bags and carry-on bags.

Live aquatic items

Can’t leave your love of the ocean behind? TSA won’t make you.

Live coral and live fish can be packed in carry-on bags in a clear transparent container. They must be inspected by a TSA officer.

Live lobsters are allowed in checked bags, but traveling with them in carry-on bags is airline-specific.

Be sure to keep your lobster friend in a clear, plastic, spill-proof container. It will be checked by a TSA officer.

Magic 8 ball

A fortune teller could’ve told you this, but Magic 8 balls are only allowed in checked bags.

According to the TSA website, officials asked the Magic 8 ball about being packed in a carry-on and were told “Outlook not so good!”

More cooking gadgets

If the blender and bread machine you brought from home to furnish your vacation Airbnb wasn’t enough, you can also travel with both a tortilla press and a waffle iron in your carry-on and checked baggage.

Nunchucks

If you’re waiting for an airport-wide flash mob choreographed to “Kung Fu Fighting” by Carl Douglas, it just might happen, and thankfully TSA wants you to be prepared.

Nunchucks, along with other martial arts weapons like throwing stars, are allowed in checked bags only. You better hope the flash mob breaks out before you hand over your luggage.

Parachutes

It’s important to always be prepared, and if your lifestyle warrants a parachute as a necessity, TSA lets you travel with these in carry-on bags and checked bags following special instructions.

Parachutes must be packed separately from other baggage and will be inspected at your end destination. TSA suggests adding 30 minutes to your recommended airline arrival window to accommodate parachute protocol.

Plants

Plant lovers, your beloved children are allowed in both carry-on bags and checked bags.

But please, for the sake of other passengers, try not to spill soil when putting your plants in the overhead cabin.

Slingshot

Looking for some real-life “Angry Birds” action? TSA lets passengers travel with slingshots in checked baggage only.

Snow globes

Did Grandma and Grandpa give you another snow globe as a gift from their travels?

Snow globes are allowed in checked bags or carry-on bags if they are less than or equal to 3.4 ounces/100 mL. This is about the size of a tennis ball.

Snow globes in carry-ons must fit into a one-quart sized resealable plastic bag, which passengers can only bring one of.

Swords

Sabers (also spelled “sabre”), a type of backsword with a curved blade, are allowed in checked baggage only.

Fans of light cavalry from the early modern and Napoleonic periods who wish to travel with a saber should remember to sheath their swords and securely wrap them to prevent injury.

Other swords, including fencing foils and other cutting or thrusting weapons, are allowed following the same safety measures outlined above.

Tattoo equipment

Save your friends from the horror of another wonky stick-and-poke and opt for packing your real supplies next time you're flying out for a friend get-together.

Tattoo guns are allowed in both carry-on bags and checked bags following special instructions. Devices containing lithium metal or lithium ion batteries should be in carry-on baggage.

Tattoo inks can be transported in checked bags or in carry-ons if less than or equal to 3.4 ounces/100 mL.

Got a tip or a story idea? Contact Krys'tal Griffin at [email protected] .

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Unique, wacky items TSA allows travelers to bring on planes, including axes and live fish

Do fish need to drink water? How freshwater vs. saltwater fish process water.

Water is a big part of our lives. Whether we're swimming in it, washing ourselves off with it or drinking it, human beings need water to survive. The average U.S. adult drinks about 44 ounces of water per day , according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The human body itself is about 60% water .

Animals and plants, like humans, need water to survive. But what about the 3.5 trillion fish swimming around in the ocean, for whom water is their home? Do fish need to drink water like we do?

Do fish drink water?

Fish do consume water and need it to survive just as humans do. But fish don’t necessarily drink it as a human drinks a glass of water.

Fish consume water through a process known as osmosis. Merriam-Webster defines osmosis as “movement of a solvent (such as water) through a semipermeable membrane (as of a living cell) into a solution of higher solute concentration that tends to equalize the concentrations of solute on the two sides of the membrane.”

In simpler terms, osmosis is the process of something passing through a thin sheet to alter and balance a substance in something. Fish absorb water through gills through the process of osmosis, essentially being their equivalent to drinking water.

Do all fish drink water through osmosis?

Not all fish drink water solely through osmosis. According to McGill University, saltwater fish consume water not only through osmosis, but also purposefully drink water to have some go through the digestive tract. Water does end up going into freshwater fish’s mouths, but instead of swallowing it, the water is filtered out through the gills.

Why don’t freshwater fish swallow freshwater?

Unlike saltwater fish, freshwater fish do not need to consume water through their mouth to survive.

McGill University explains freshwater fish’s blood and bodily fluids are saltier than the water they swim in . “ishes’ bodies, just like ours, need a certain concentration of salt to function best," says McGill University. Swallowing freshwater could throw off the balance in a freshwater fish’s body.

Why do saltwater fish swallow saltwater?

Saltwater fish swallow water for the opposite reason freshwater expel it. McGill states saltwater fish need to swallow saltwater in order to get enough in their system .

Do fish sleep like humans?: What it means under the sea or in the aquarium

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How do salmon know where their home is when they return from the ocean?

Salmon come back to the stream where they were 'born' because they 'know' it is a good place to spawn; they won't waste time looking for a stream with good habitat and other salmon.

Scientists believe that salmon navigate by using the earth’s magnetic field like a compass. When they find the river they came from, they start using smell to find their way back to their home stream. They build their 'smell memory-bank' when they start migrating to the ocean as young fish.

If a salmon can’t find its stream, some continue to search for the right stream until they use up all their energy and die, but most simply try to find other salmon with which to spawn.

Learn more: Western Fisheries Research Center - Questions and Answers about Salmon

Are salmon endangered worldwide?

No, salmon are not endangered worldwide. For example, most populations in Alaska are healthy. Some populations in the Pacific Northwest are much healthier than others. These healthy populations usually occupy protected habitats such as the Hanford Reach on the Columbia River and streams of Olympic National Park. Learn more: Western Fisheries Research Center - Questions and Answers about Salmon

How far do salmon travel?

Salmon first travel from their home stream to the ocean, which can be a distance of hundreds of miles. Once they reach the ocean, they might travel an additional 1,000 miles to reach their feeding grounds. Learn more: Western Fisheries Research Center - Questions and Answers about Salmon

Brown bears (Ursus arctos) and Chum (Salmon Oncorhynchus)

How long do salmon usually live?

Most salmon species live 2 to 7 years (4 to 5 average). Steelhead trout can live up to about 11 years. Learn more: Western Fisheries Research Center - Questions and Answers about Salmon

Image: Releasing a Radio-Tagged Adult Chinook

How many species of salmon are there and how large can they get?

There are seven species of Pacific salmon. Five of them occur in North American waters: chinook, coho, chum, sockeye, and pink. Masu and amago salmon occur only in Asia. There is one species of Atlantic salmon. Chinook/King salmon are the largest salmon and get up to 58 inches (1.5 meters) long and 126 pounds (57.2 kg). Pink salmon are the smallest at up to 30 inches (0.8 meters) long and 12...

When can salmon be seen migrating to their spawning area?

Most Pacific salmon can be seen migrating from spring though fall, depending on the species. Most adult Atlantic salmon migrate up the rivers of New England beginning in spring and continuing through the fall as well, with the migration peaking in June. Learn more: Western Fisheries Research Center - Questions and Answers about Salmon

Image: Salmon Are Carefully Released Using Buckets

Where are salmon most endangered?

Certain populations of sockeye salmon, coho salmon, chinook salmon, and Atlantic salmon are listed as endangered. Sockeye salmon from the Snake River system are probably the most endangered salmon. Coho salmon in the lower Columbia River may already be extinct. Salmon are not endangered worldwide. For example, most populations in Alaska are healthy. Some populations in the Pacific Northwest are...

Male atlantic salmon showing a kype in lower jaw

Why are there so few salmon left?

There are many reasons for the decline in salmon populations. Logging an area around a stream reduces the shade and nutrients available to the stream and increases the amount of silt or dirt in the water, which can choke out developing eggs. Dams cause fish to die from the shock of going through the turbines and from predators that eat the disoriented fish as they emerge from the dam. Overfishing...

Why do salmon change color and die after they spawn?

Salmon change color to attract a spawning mate. Pacific salmon use all their energy for returning to their home stream, for making eggs, and digging the nest. Most of them stop eating when they return to freshwater and have no energy left for a return trip to the ocean after spawning. After they die, other animals eat them (but people don't) or they decompose, adding nutrients to the stream...

Looking down into a clear plastic beaker containing several hundred small, round, bright orange eggs

Why do salmon eggs come in different colors?

Salmon eggs (roe) range in color from pale yellowish-orange to dark reddish-orange. The color varies both by species and within species and is determined by water temperature, sediment composition, age, and other factors. The eggs vary in size from the tiny sockeye roe (average ¼ inch or 5.6 mm) to the large chum roe (average almost ½ inch or 8.3 mm). Also, if a salmon egg does not get fertilized...

Drano Lake Sockeye Salmon

Adult Sockeye Salmon in Drano Lake, WA on July 15th and 16th 2015.

PubTalk 2/2015 — Undamming Washington's Elwha River

by Amy East USGS Research Geologist

Hear about river response to the largest dam removal in history.
Causing disturbance as a means of restoration: how well does it work?
Will legendary salmon runs return?

A Time to Spawn

Salmon and steelhead migrating through Bonnerville Dam.

Seventy-five years of science—The U.S. Geological Survey’s Western Fisheries Research Center

Community flood protection may also help endangered salmon to thrive.

Building a river setback levee to reduce the risk of flood for a community may also help endangered fish species to thrive, according to the results...

Endangered Salmon Population Monitored with eDNA for First Time

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COMMENTS

How to Safely Transport Fish For Short & Long Distances (Vet Answer)
Ensure your car is relatively warm for your trip. An ambient temperature of around 25-28°C (77-82.4°F) is recommended for most fish. Ensure your fish is secure in your car (it's best to have someone hold your fish's container). Drive slowly, and try to use routes without too many bumps or potholes.
How To Travel With a Fish
Preparing Fish For Travel. Before you travel, avoid feeding your fish for 24 to 48 hours to prevent contaminating the transport water. Depending on the species, fish can survive for about two to three days without food, however, much of it depends on the underlying health of the fish. Do not feel the need to open the bag and add food.
Fish migration
Many species of salmon are anadromous and can migrate long distances up rivers to spawn Allowing fish and other migratory animals to travel the rivers can help maintain healthy fish populations. Fish migration is mass relocation by fish from one area or body of water to another. Many types of fish migrate on a regular basis, on time scales ranging from daily to annually or longer, and over ...
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A June 2021 study by the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation found that first-time fishing participants hit a record 4.4 million in 2020, and nearly 55 million Americans fish at least once a ...
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Some fish travel just a short distance while others may swim hundreds to thousands of miles. North America's rivers and waterways once supported vast annual runs of fishy friends like alewife, American eel, and steelhead. However, human-made barriers - such as dams, channels, and habitat fragmentation and alternation - made things more ...
5 Ways to Transport Fish
1. Place your fish in plastic bags. One way to transport your fish is to put them in plastic bags. You can get plastic fish bags from a pet store. Fill the bag a third of the way full with water from the aquarium. Then, place one fish into each plastic bag. Don't put multiple fish in the same bag.
Making Way for Fish Migration
Across the world freshwater fish travel unseen through rivers and lakes to fulfill their lifecycles. They navigate using the currents, magnetic fields, even their sense of taste and smell. But whether they are travelling thousands of miles, like Atlantic salmon, or as little as a half a mile like some species of darter, freshwater fish rely on ...
How To Transport Fish Safely: Long and Short Distances
Travel Time. For short jaunts, small fish survive just fine without any additional considerations aside from a sturdy fish bag and some tank water. Longer trips of over a day can create difficulties with regards to running out of oxygen in your fish's water and may need some extra thought to pull off properly. Put them in a bag filled with ...
How To Transport Fish
After the tub and fish is in the care, take the air pump and drop the air hose into the tub. Then plug the air pump to the power inverter and plug the power inverter to the car's cigarette lighter or another power supply outlet in the car. With this setup, you can transport the fish to any destination that you want.
How to Travel With a Betta Fish: The Dos and Don'ts
Poke a few holes in the top to let in the fresh air. Alternatively, you can stop to remove the lid every 30 minutes or so to accomplish the same thing. Options one and two should be left empty aside from water and your fish. Any decorations may get moved around and pin or crush your fish.
Barriers to Fish Migration
In the United States, more than 2 million dams and other barriers block fish from migrating upstream. As a result, many fish populations have declined. For example, Atlantic salmon used to be found in every river north of the Hudson River. Due to dams and other threats, less than half of 1 percent of the historic population remains.
Fish Need to Move! Learning About Fish Migration
Fish need to move! They move to find food, places to spawn or they move to escape extreme temperatures and high and low water flows. Some travel long distances while others stick closer to home. But, they all need connected habitats. Unfortunately over 6-million man-made barriers, like dams and poorly designed road culverts, keep fish from getting to where they need to go.
How to Prepare Fish for Your Flight Home
Fish processing fees go from $1.00 per pound to $2.50 per pound, depending on the service you choose. The container boxes aren't expensive either - $20 for most sizes. The shipping, however, can range from $100-$400 depending on the weight of your package and the destination.
Salmon Migration: Interactive Map Illustrates Fantastic Journey in Peril
SEATTLE — The release of a media-rich, interactive storymap, Salmon Migration: A journey that connects us all , highlights the iconic wildlife event that brings together diverse Northwest communities, from the Pacific Coast to central Idaho. Columbia River Basin salmon and steelhead are essential for Northwest tribes, local economies, and the ...
How far do salmon travel?
How far do salmon travel? Salmon first travel from their home stream to the ocean, which can be a distance of hundreds of miles. Once they reach the ocean, they might travel an additional 1,000 miles to reach their feeding grounds. Learn more: Western Fisheries Research Center - Questions and Answers about Salmon.
27 Fish that Migrate (A to Z List with Pictures)
Examples of fish that migrate include alewives, American paddlefish, Atlantic cod, Atlantic salmon, and beluga sturgeon. Migrating fish swim thousands of miles in search of food, spawning grounds, and better living conditions due to seasonal changes. Some species, like salmon, even travel upriver to lay their eggs.
Fly Fishing Travel Vacations
Travel Specials | Last Minute Cancellations | Discounted Trips. Kendjam Lodge, Brazil Amazonia ... These wild fish are mint- bright and only a rifle shot from the salt, averaging 24 to 27-inches with quite a few from 28 to 30. A big steelhead here will be 32 to 35 inches. The river is too small to run boats on, so all fishing is accessed via ...
Traveling with Seafood
So if you're getting ready to travel with your favorite seafood, you can reach out to AskTSA on Twitter or Facebook Messenger 7 days a week to answer all your fishy questions. Or, if you prefer to speak with a representative, you can reach out to the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673. She sells sea shells by the sea shore. She also sells ...
How to Transport Fish When Moving: A to Z Guide
Plastic bags for your fish to travel in. Buckets with water in them to transport any pants from the tank (they need to be submerged in water when transporting them) Packing tape for securing lids on any containers. A fishnet to move your fish to the plastic bag. Siphon hose to remove water from inside the tank.
The independent travel guide for Southeast Asia. Travelfish.org
Travelfish.org. Founded in 2004, we've been researching independent travel guides to Southeast Asia ever since. We pay our own way. Always. Oh, one more thing, Travelfish is 100% AI free. Become a supporter today.
The Great Pacific Migration of Bluefin Tuna
Sushi chefs and restaurant owners pay significant money for the fresh fish—at the famous Tsukiji market in Tokyo, a single tuna was sold for 1.8 million dollars in 2013. Although buying at such an outrageous price is more of a marketing scheme to attract new bluefin-eating restaurant customers than a true representation of demand, there is ...
Fish • Travel • Eat
Fishing is good for kids. It imparts confidence and a sense of adventure. Fishing nurtures imagination and teaches delayed gratification . Taking kids fishing is good for you, too. Fish Travel Eat is dedicated to expressing the benefits of travel, fishing and adventure. Elliott Stark, Chief Storyteller.
"Fish letterbox" a gamechanger for fish passage in local waterway
Our scientists and engineers find an innovative solution to help fish travel up and down Taranaki Creek. Many of New Zealand's native fish species like īnanga/whitebait or tuna/eels are migratory, traveling up and down rivers and streams and the ocean to complete their life cycles.
How to Keep Your Fish Alive on a Long Trip
Scoop your fish out of his tank with a fish net and place him in a bag. Do not put multiple fish in the same bag; each fish needs his own. Tie off the top of the bag and then place that bag inside a second bag. Tie the second bag closed as well. Double bagging helps prevent leakage. Place your bagged fish inside a sturdy, insulated container ...
Unique, wacky items TSA allows travelers to bring on planes, including
Live coral and live fish can be packed in carry-on bags in a clear transparent container. They must be inspected by a TSA officer. Live lobsters are allowed in checked bags, but traveling with ...
Do fish drink water? Freshwater vs. saltwater fish process.
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Zillow has 73 photos of this $1,475,000 3 beds, 4 baths, -- sqft single family home located at 49 E Fish Camp Trl, Glenville, NC 28736 built in 2024. MLS #104663.
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Salmon first travel from their home stream to the ocean, which can be a distance of hundreds of miles. Once they reach the ocean, they might travel an additional 1,000 miles to reach their feeding grounds. ... (WFRC). Fish began his research working alone in the basement of the recently opened Fisheries Biological Laboratory on Lake Union in ...
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How to Safely Transport Fish For Short & Long Distances (Vet Answer)

Situations That Require Transporting Your Fish

Bringing Fish Home

Precautions for Long Trips

A Vet Visit

1. Gather Your Necessities

2. Fill a Spare Container

3. Fill the Transport Container

4. Capture Your Fish

5. Final Trip Preparations

6. Transport With Caution

7. After Your Trip

A Relocation (Long Distance Drive)

2. Water Change

3. Stop Feeding

4. Capture on Move Day

5. Drain Tank

6. Pack Plants, Filter, and Substrate

7. Drive Slowly

8. When You Arrive

9. Reacclimate Your Fish

10. Monitor Your Fish

Public Modes of Travel (Flight, Ship, Train)

Further Reading

Latest Vet Answers

How To Travel With a Fish – By Plane, Car, Train or Bus

How to Travel With a Fish

Preparing Fish For Travel

How to Pack a Pet Fish

Traveling With Fish By Plane

Spill-Proof Container

Boarding the Plane

Traveling With Fish by Car

How to Travel With a Fish by Bus or Train

Fish Supplies Needed for Traveling

Arriving at Your Destination

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Travel Time

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Buying Bags

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