Does Walmart Sell Live Fish? (2023 Updated)

Are you searching for some new pets for your aquarium? 

Fish make perfect pets for people who live in apartments and spend a lot of time away from home. These pets require a minimum commitment, and watching them swim around can be very relaxing. However, these fish usually have short lifespans and need to be replaced fairly often. Not all species get along well, so you need to do your research before adding them to your tank. 

If you are wondering, ‘does Walmart sell live fish?’, then it’s time to find out…

Availability In Stores

The company used to sell live fish and aquarium plants in more than 1,700 stores across the United States. This was a very popular product, and the company was responsible for around 30% of sales throughout the United States. However, Walmart announced in 2019 that they would no longer sell live fish. 

In addition, the company stopped selling all types of animals in its stores.

Reduced Customer Demand

The first reason the company decided to discontinue sales was because of declining demand from customers. There had been a lot of comments from shoppers that the fish looked unhealthy. This made them unattractive to potential buyers.

PETA Pressure

For more than a decade, this non-profit animal rights organization had been petitioning to end sales of live fish. The main claim was that the superstores were unable to care for the piscine pets and other animals properly. Many fish were dying on their way to the store, which made them a less profitable option. 

Most stores stopped selling these piscine pets in March of 2019. However, individual managers were initially given the power to decide whether or not to remove tanks from stores. As a result, the move to stop sales was not finalized until October 2019. 

Availability Online 

Although you can no longer purchase them in stores, live fish are available on the Walmart website. They are provided by third-party sellers, who also offer aquarium plants and live coral. Let’s take a closer look at some of the different piscine pets you can find on the company’s website. 

Tetras

These beautiful fish come in all the colors of the rainbow, and you will find a large collection on the Walmart website. This is a freshwater species that is native to Africa, Central America, and South America. While there are numerous different types, tetras are small and defined by their distinctive fins. 

Bettas

These piscine pets are native to Thailand and are very small and colorful. If you have a large aquarium that you want to fill, you can pick out a large collection of Bettas in a single order. You are guaranteed to receive at least three colors when you buy a collection, and both males and females can cohabitate. 

Cichlids

This species is usually imported from South America or Africa by third-party sellers. They come in a wide range of colors and can be quite large and flamboyant. Cichlids range in length from just one inch to an impressive three feet. 

Molly 

Also known as Poecilia, these piscine pets usually prefer to live in brackish, salt water. This can make them a little trickier to care for and add to your aquarium. They mature quickly and breed easily, so your tank could quickly become full if you’re not careful. 

Red Eagle Discus 

This special is noted for its distinctive red, orange, and yellow patterns. They prefer to live in freshwater and have a tendency to be fairly aggressive. Therefore, you need to take extra care when introducing them to your other piscine pets. 

Fish Supplies 

The company has stopped selling real aquarium plants in stores throughout the United States. However, you can still find a wide range of supplies for your piscine pets. This includes a wide range of different types of tanks and aquariums. 

You can also find gravel, real and artificial tank plants, and other types of décor. This makes it easy to give your tank an upgrade and makes it look truly impressive. There are also different types of food for different species of piscine pets.

Other Supplies Available In-store and Online Include:

Other Places That Sell Live Fish

Buying live fish from a third-party seller may not be the best option. Because most of these sellers do not have their own stores, they may not have built up a solid reputation. This can mean that purchasing piscine pets from them can be a bit of a gamble. Here are some of the popular retailers that you can turn to instead. 

Petco 

This popular company boasts a large number of physical stores throughout the United States. They offer a wide range of different species as well as medication, food, and aquariums. The stores are staffed by experts who can talk through the pros and cons of different species with you. You can also purchase piscine pets through the Petco website, and they are known for arriving in good condition. 

Live Aquaria 

This is the largest dedicated fish retailer in the United States. You will find a wide range of different species for all types of aquatic environments, including freshwater, marine, and tropical. The company’s stores feature experts who can help you make smart decisions that match your aquarium needs.

You can also find a wide range of piscine pets and equipment on the company’s website. This includes a whole host of dried and frozen foods and tank accessories. The company offers free standard shipping on qualifying orders and online consultations. 

PetSmart

This company is known for offering a wide range of high-quality pet supplies and services. If you need help picking out the perfect piscine pets, PetSmart is a great place to go. You can seek advice and recommendations from staff in stores and via live chat on the company’s website.

The company’s range of piscine pets is extensive and covers marine, tropical, and freshwater. The different varieties of GloFish are particularly popular, while there are also several types of goldfish. When shopping online, you will receive detailed instructions about how to care for your new pets. 

AquaBid

This online fish auction website offers a unique way to purchase fish. You can find just about every type of aquarium pet and accessory on this extensive website, including plants, filters, and snails. It is free to open an account, and you can purchase items outright or enter the auction and start bidding. 

Bidding introduces a unique element, and many people find it to be a lot of fun. The only issue is that sellers ship piscine pets and other animals from around the world. You need to check on the regulations in your area before bidding or making a purchase. 

Aquatic Arts 

You will find a whole host of live pets on this website, including invertebrates and freshwater and tropical species. The company specializes in tank decorations, and this is a great way to give your aquarium a facelift. You will also find different types of food, testing kits, water treatments, and much more.

You can take advantage of next-day delivery via UPS, which guarantees live arrival for peace of mind. Aquatic Arts are committed to animal welfare and encourage shoppers to adopt unwanted pets from shelters. Customers who take part in this program will receive a $50 voucher to use toward their next purchase. 

Imperial Tropicals 

As the name suggests, this retailer specializes in tropical fish and offers a large number of species. You will also find invertebrates and freshwater species, as well as different types of foods and plants. If you are planning to purchase a few cichlids, there is an impressive range of options.

The only catch is that the cost of shipping is fairly high compared to many other online retailers. However, the company takes extra care to make sure your piscine pets arrive alive and healthy. For many animal lovers, the extra cost is more than worthwhile.

Returning Goods To Walmart?

Well, no problem! Find out everything you want to know about the return policies starting with Can You Return An Item To A Different Walmart, followed by the Walmart Return Policy After 90 Days, as well as the Walmart Return Policy Without Receipt if you’ve lost yours.

If you shop online, you’ll want to know about the Walmart Return Policy Without Box Or Opened Box for lost packaging, or perhaps you’d like to know about the Walmart TV Return Policy and Walmart Video Game Return Policy which every gamer should be aware of!

Lastly, we also have guides on the Walmart Bicycle Return Policy, the Walmart Car Battery Return Policy, and for the expecting mammas, the Walmart Diaper Return Policy and the Walmart Baby Formula Return Policy for 2023.

Final Thoughts

In the past, selling fish and other live pets made up a significant part of Walmart’s revenue. However, the company stopped selling all types of live animals in 2019. This was mainly due to pressure from PETA as well as declining interest from customers.

If you have your heart set on buying live fish from Walmart, you will find a collection on the company’s website. But it should be noted that they are provided by third-party sellers, and the quality can vary widely. The best bet may be visiting a pet store and picking out your new piscine pets in person.

Enjoy shopping for your new piscine pet!