Healthy Young Adults Ready to Thrive 

We typically ship robust young adult fish 5–8 weeks old, which are well suited for safe transport. At this stage, both males and females are at or near breeding age. Non-gravid females are selected by age (young females) so may be gravid, while visibly gravid females are usually within 1–2 weeks of dropping fry.

Shipping Methods & Rates

USPS First Class — $5 (2–5 business days)

• For up to to 4 non-fish / non-shrimp items

USPS Priority Mail — $16 (1–3 business days)

• For orders over 4 items or any order containing fish or shrimp

• The USPS tracking number is emailed on your ship date

• Ship days: Mondays and occasionally Saturdays. This helps prevent packages from being delayed at USPS facilities over weekends.

Non-continental destinations (Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, etc)

• Prices are calculated in the shopping cart

International orders

• Please order on the International page

Order preparation:

• Preparation may take a few days so most orders ship the week following purchase.

• A shipping ETA email is sent approximately one day after your order is placed

• Please check your spam / junk folder, as some email providers may filter these messages.
  
  

Fish or Shrimp Orders Over $50 (excluding shipping)

• Shipped only when temperatures along the shipping route are between 32°F (lows) and 90°F

• Insulated packaging with heat or cold packs included as needed

Fish or Shrimp Orders Under $50 (excluding shipping) & Plant-Only Orders

• Shipped only when temperatures along the shipping route are between 50°F (lows) and 80°F (highs)
  
  

Extreme Weather Conditions

• Shipping is delayed when temperature forecasts are below 32°F (lows) or above 90°F (highs) anywhere along the shipping route. These parameters are dictated by the effectiveness of heat and cold packs.

• We monitor weather forecasts weekly and ship only when several consecutive days are within safe parameters

• When a safe shipping window opens, a shipping alert email is sent with the scheduled ship date

Once your fish or Shrimp arrive, they must be properly acclimated to your tank’s water parameters before release. We strongly recommend using the Drip Acclimation Method, as it provides the safest transition and minimizes stress.

After acclimation and introduction to the tank, feed your fish as soon as possible. To prepare for shipping, fish are not fed for a day prior to shipment, and combined with transit time, this may result in 2–4 days without food.

It’s normal for shipping stress to temporarily affect appearance and feeding:

• Male color may initially appear lighter

• They may eat lightly or pick at food initially

This typically resolves within a few days. Once fully acclimated, males will display full coloration and feeding will be vigorous. Maintaining a consistent routine (lighting, feeding schedule, and stable water conditions) will help speed acclimation.

The Drip Acclimation Method

Drip acclimation slowly introduces your tank water into the shipping water, allowing temperature and water chemistry to adjust gradually. This significantly reduces shock and potential losses due to acclimation.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare a drip cup
   Use a plastic cup (such as a sports drink cup) and insert 3–4 inches of airline tubing through the side.

2. Add tank water
   Fill the cup with water from your aquarium and warm it slightly (5–10°F above tank temperature) to account for cooling during the drip process.

3. Prepare the fish container
   Place the fish and shipping water into a separate container. Remove some water so only 1–2 inches remain—just enough to fully cover the fish. Cover the container to prevent jumping – this is critical.

4. Position containers
   Place the fish container below the drip cup of tank water.

5. Start the drip
   Begin dripping water slowly from the drip cup into the fish container.

6. Increase volume gradually
   Continue dripping until the container holds at least four times the original volume of shipping water. Water chemistry and temperature should closely match your tank at this point.

7. Final check and release
   Confirm the Endlers don’t look distressed, then gently pour the fish into the aquarium.