Startup Biz Hub Logo

Sign up for Newsletter

Restaurant Business

Small Business Ideas

Mobile Business Ideas

shop feed

Starting a Fish Shop


How to Start a Fish Selling Business


Summary: Fish is one of the most popular hobbies in the world. A tank or pond filled with colorful fishes is always a conversation piece be it at home, office or shops and malls. What with huge number of fish species to choose from, any fish tank or pond owner can take delight just by choosing what fish to take home and care for. Taking care of fishes, aquariums and ponds is not as complicated as other pet hobbies. This makes fish shop a good business anywhere in the globe.

However, as with any other trade, it is important that the entrepreneur entering into this kind of industry do not only have knowledge on the area but a genuine interest is beneficial in successfully running this kind of business. If you are into fishes, be it fresh water or salt water, establishing a fish shop business may just be for you.

Types of fishes

Before you start your fish shop business, it is important to figure out first what kind of fishes and fish aquarium and pond accessories are you going to focus on. Is it going to be for fresh water fishes or for saltwater fishes?

Salt water fishes, like its name suggest, are fishes that live in the sea like clown fish, angel fish, cardinals, etc. They are more expensive to buy and take care of than that of the fresh water type. Caring for these fishes require that the tank or aquarium that closely mirrors the water environment of their sea home. However, specialty shops have been breeding salt water fishes for some time now and fishes that are breed are mostly more tolerant to makeshift habitat.

Fresh water fishes are those that naturally live in the river or lake such as gold fish, koi, catfish, etc. These are more tolerant than salt water fishes and they are easier to take care of either in an aquarium or in a pond. Fresh water fishes may be a good place to start for an entrepreneur just entering into this kind of business.

Other item to sell

Aside from fishes, there are a lot of accessories that fish shop owners should make sure available in their shop. Especially those items needed for a start-up aquarium.

    Some of the important ones are:
  • aquariums and stand
  • filtration equipment
  • Heating, lighting and hoods
  • Tank and pond decors
  • Books on aquariums, pond and fishes
  • Fish food
  • Water conditioner
  • Test kit: ammonia, nitrate, pH
  • Fish net

Notes:

People interested to start an aquarium but do not have any idea where to start or those already into this hobby for quite sometime already, will go to your store to look, shop, meet others with the same interest or just talk to the shop owner for updates on the latest on fishes. Be sure to update yourself always as you would not want to disappoint your customers.

48 Responses to "Starting a Fish Shop".

1. Emeghi esther on 6/13/2008

Please can you send me an email of the cost implication of fish pond business...

2. TERRI on 10/27/2008

Hi , My husband and I have been talking about starting a salt water fish store. He has had a very large tank for years and really has a passion for it. We are just not sure how or where to start. If you could e-mail me with any information on how to start this we would greatly appreciate it.
Thank you,
Terri

3. janice on 2/2/2009 5:13:22 AM

Hello, I am interested in opening a fish shop. Could you give me some hints in how to start and what do I need to get things going? Thank you in advance.

4. Amutati Thomas on 2/2/2009 11:08:55 AM

Hi, I and my wife are looking forward to open up a fish shop. we have to buy different types of frozen fish from the suppliers mostly from the coast of Namibia. The shop will be new. what exactly must the shop equipped with and we need connections with the supplier because we are located in the capital city Windhoek, We are also busy with the business plan that we must submit to the bank for financing us with the startup capital and we don't have any idea how much we must apply for. please assist

5. Jamie Martinez on 2/13/2009 11:46:21 AM

Hello, I've thinking about opening a fish store in my town, but I don't know were to start. I have a passion for saltwater fish and coral, and I'm sure this would be a great business for me because it's something I love to do and enjoy doing. If you email me some info on were to start.

6. Bobby G. on 2/19/2009 10:04:30 AM

Hey, how do you start a fish shop?

7. Ruben Rodriguez on 2/20/2009 2:25:42 PM

I am interested in starting a fish import business for distribution to grocery stores. I need help in the license acquisition.

8. Tarun Sagar on 2/24/2009 3:07:50 AM

please given me complete knowledge about fish farming..

9. ABBA,ETIMFON WILFRED on 2/26/2009 11:14:44 AM

It is my desire to start up fish farming business but i don't have the capital to start with. what should i do.

10. Melissa J. on 3/4/2009 10:40:56 PM

My husband and I are looking to start a fish store. He will also be building custom tanks (he has done it a few times before). Can you tell me everything we will need for the store itself?

11. Seas M on 3/8/2009 8:37:04 PM

My wife and I have been keeping many saltwater aquarium for many years. We had always talk about starting our own shop. We are extremely interested in what you have to say. Could you please send us some advice on how and where to start such a business?

12. Aziz Ahmed on 3/9/2009 7:15:46 AM

I have been passionate about fishes and other pets since a long time, would like to start a business on my own as in my area there is not a single shop who actually knows what they are selling. Appreciate if you can help me in understanding the cost implications and requirements involved.

13. Gregory McCarty on 3/19/2009 12:04:07 AM

what is the estimated initial cost of starting a fish store if you have an existing store your looking to buy out?

14. Dennis White on 3/19/2009 7:32:23 PM

i heard that you were the person to get advice from, i would like to start a small fresh water fish store with some specialty fish could you send me some info on the cost what i should have for supplies on hand the ideal size space for a small shop.

15. Danielle on 3/26/2009 1:06:28 PM

My fiance and I are avid aquarists and are opening our own fish store. What would be the best way to evaluate start-up costs for tanks, filters, food, fish, and supplies? Very excited, but need some direction. Thanks!

16. Michele on 4/2/2009 11:58:54 PM

Hello. I could not find much information anywhere on the price range i'd be looking at for starting an aquarium shop. A friend of mine who has a shop in another area said her business was about 100k min to start. Could you tell me, by any chance, what you think it would cost?

17. Christopher on 4/8/2009 2:08:40 PM

i would like to know information on getting grants and funding for tropical and salt water fish business. along with cost for average supplies.

18. Sharaine on 4/12/2009 7:46:35 AM

Hello, i am interested in starting an aquarium shop, and so would appreciate as much information that you can give to cover all areas necessary.

19. Claire on 4/15/2009 11:29:20 PM

I really want to start a fish shop but dont know where to start or how to get the fish and equipment. I would also like to know how much money this is going to start to get up and running! Could you please email me with some advice? Thanks claire

20. Sela on 4/15/2009 11:55:58 PM

My children and i are opening a fish shop next month and would like more tips to make a successful business and that would help me and my children operate our shop. please get back to me a.s.a.p thank you

21. Andy on 4/18/2009 12:42:34 AM

I am in the process of researching information on starting up a saltwater fish and coral shop. Would like as much information as possible that you could give. Thanks.

22. Valerie on 5/11/2009 12:05:05 PM

My father and I have always had aquariums and an interest in fish. We were both recently laid off and we would both love to run our own business. The closest fish shops in our area are 40-50 miles away. If you could send me as much information as you have I would greatly appreciate it. I would first like to know if there is a way to determine if my area would be receptive to this type of business. Thank you for your time.

23. kim on 5/14/2009 12:52:55 AM

i'm interested in opening my own fish shop in pa. wondering if anyone had any information they could pass onto me. Also not sure what license and permits I would need. Thanks

24. kie on 5/18/2009 8:14:28 PM

i'm only 13 and i have a passion for fish and when i get older i really want to own a fish store and because of the fact that almost all of the fish stores here in calgary suck and are in such bad condition i want to start a really reliable store.

25. will on 5/19/2009 7:46:45 PM

i've been taking care of tropical fish for several years now at first i just thought it would be cool to own a tank but as time went by i noticed that i was spending more time and money on them now i'm thinking i want to open a store of my own but don't know where to start and what i need to start so any info would be great thank you

26. Das on 6/6/2009 2:43:03 PM

Hello I have a passion for corals and saltwater fish for a long time. I got permission from my parents to start an online or local aquarium farm in my basement - where i will frag my own stuff and sell for cheaper than retail prices. I want to know what types of licensing, start-up costs, and other obstacles are in this. I plan to work the summer and during fall semester as I am a college student and by then I should have enough money for this business. Thanks and hopefully you can guide me the right way with an email!

27. Scott on 6/15/2009 8:12:05 AM

Hi, my wife and I are thinking about starting a fish shop selling cold, tropical, and saltwater fish and accessories. Love to know how to go about this...any advice or assistance would be greatly appreciated.

28. tom on 6/15/2009 9:11:24 PM

Do I need a License to sell fish in Michigan. If so what is the cost-where do I apply for a license.

29. yael on 6/16/2009 7:35:05 PM

i'm just 11 and don't have an email so you cant email me the one i put is fake but just a comment: i've loved saltwater and tropical fish for a long time, and gotten this feeling when i see the fish at our local store; a longing feeling. i just wish that someday, that feeling will be replaced with happiness and my dream will be fulfilled. bye, yAeL

30. MIke on 6/17/2009 3:52:42 PM

This doesn't tell much of anything.....

31. Michael Moreno on 6/22/2009 12:10:47 AM

I love fish.... i have grown up with them.... it hit me and i was like.. WOW i want to own a fish store.... i'm only 14 but its something to keep my sights on for the future i'm going to do it!!!!!

32. kutty on 6/23/2009 2:30:38 AM

what are the conditions to start a fish shop and where to get license to start fish shop?

33. rob potts on 6/30/2009 11:39:23 PM

hi, i'm starting to look into getting my own fish shop and was wondering what advice you could offer me. thank you.

34. Kevin on 7/13/2009 1:45:12 AM

I been thinking about opening a saltwater fish store but don't even know where to start. Can you email me some info..

35. ruth on 7/21/2009 9:52:07 AM

I am interested in starting my own fish shop and would like to know everything there is in order to start one.

36. Melanie Grassy on 7/22/2009 8:30:31 AM

Hi there, My brother and I are very interested in opening our own family business specializing in freshwater fish & supplies. We both have owned and bread fish (mainly cichlids) for many years now and would really appreciate some helpful advice as to where to begin with the store. He is qualified in cabinet making, my husband is excellent in making tanks and with our combined passion I know we can succeed. Hope to hear from you soon.

37. Tony Porter on 7/22/2009 9:54:20 PM

My wife and I are planning to open a fresh fish market. Can you offer any ideas or suggestions on start up..thanks in advance

38. Carlos on 8/31/2009 9:09:08 PM

I am interested in starting my own fresh and salt water fish store, do I need a license? Where do I begin?

39. Ashley on 9/12/2009 1:56:10 PM

I love taking care of fish and want to start my own business. I don't know where to start though. Do I need to take any classes to help? and best locations to open? Just any information will help. I really want to do this, but scared that I will end up wasting time and not make any money in it. Thank you!!

40. Michael on 9/14/2009 8:08:37 PM

Hi, I'm hoping to start a freshwater fish selling business, But don't know where to start, Or how Much It would cost to start it up. And how would i begin? Any information on classes, costs, etc. would help! Thanks !!

41. brandon on 9/16/2009 7:15:47 PM

hi, im here for the same reason eveyone else is i would like infomationon the how to's in the saltwater aquarium business could you please email me with the specs? this would really help me out ........thanks

42. Troy on 9/20/2009 12:12:07 PM

I live in a college town and there is no fish or pet shop closer than 45 minutes away. I have been thinking of selling fish in the lobby of our quick lube since a lot of our customers are interested in our aquarium we have set up in there. I need some idea of where to buy the fish and what kinds to stock as well as how much stock I should have. Thanks.

43. Collin Andrew on 9/28/2009 4:54:57 AM

Hi, I want to take over a fish shop that is already operating in Durban what i need to know is what type of license i need and what other procedures(all) do i need to follow for the health department to pass the store

44. thembi on 10/13/2009 10:16:03 AM

plz, if this is possible i would love to do! give some information..

45. Danielle on 10/20/2009 9:58:08 AM

I've been wanting to start a fish store but really not sure where to start or how to go about it, also what kind of license i would need or anything... so could you email me some information on it. Thanks

46. moses kim on 10/21/2009 5:09:34 PM

I'm starting a freshwater fish store, does that require a pet shop license, and what other certificate of license requirements are there?

47. Kevin Pittman on 11/2/2009 8:30:59 PM

My family and I are very interested in buying a fish store. We would like to make it into a saltwater fish store only, and also maybe dogs or cats? What are your thoughts on this, and what would we have to sell besides the fish, dogs and or cats to make this business a success?

48. JOANNA BROWN on 11/4/2009 6:56:35 AM

I am interested in starting a fish store. I would like to sell fresh and salt water fish. What will I need to get started? Should I work with them for a few years first and get a feel or is it to hard just to dive in and learn and see what happens?

*Name:
*Email:
*Comment:
 
How to Start a Florist Shop   Starting a Shop Fitting Business

Recent Articles

Small Business Articles

Home Based Business

Shop Business Ideas

Store Business Opportunities

Startup Company Ideas

Service Business Ideas

Farming Business Ideas