Shipping Frontosa

Hi guys

I realise there is a sticky thread for this topic but wasnt sure if i was to post there , asking a question so i decided (hopefully correctly) to make a new thread

I have recently found some Kigoma Frontosas (8-9cm) that i want to ship from Kenilworth, Capetown to JHB. The person who i may be getting them from has never shipped fish before.Can anyone help me here with advice on the shipping and can ship for me. ie get the fish from him and ship them safely to OR tambo? i realise the fish (especially frontosas) get stressed so id like to also know if it is safe for them to be shipped.

Thanks in advance. Jason

 

Howzit Jay,

I'm doing a bit more research but it seems pretty simple.
Have sent you a PM.

Anybody know of any pitfalls with larger fish?
8-9cm Fronts surely shouldn't present major problems?

Cheers,
Jack

 

Thanks @Jack Stone i really appreciate the help.

im also sure they will be fine, as long as theyre 'packaged' correctly(like im sure they will be)

 

Hi Guys

I shipped 25 boxes to Australia some years back with few losses.
The rule I followed was as follows.
Reduce feeding for up to 2 weeks prior to shipping, purging the fish totally for the last two days to minimise fouling.
For the larger species, I used a fish anaesthetic at very low doses, making a stock solution and adding it to the bags.
Important that the person receiving the fish aclimatises them very slowly.

 

Hi @Rowland

Thanks for the info man!
I am a bit sceptical of the anaesthetics and more in favour of optimal water quality and enough oxygen in the bags.

Do you think the anaesthetic helped? What length would you say the larger species were?
Would you recommend it for a 10 hour trip from tank to tank?

How long did that trip to Australia take?
What anaesthetic did you use? If you can recall.

Nothing wrong with a slow drip acclimatisation if the weather if fine!

 

I have also shipped malawis and tangs around the country, from juvies to adults. You are spot on with your optimal water quality, and therefore purging is a must!
One third, or less if possible water, and the rest oxygen. I have received fish with the dorsal fin touching the surface.
The Aus thing took close to 48 hours from bagging to opening...quite an ordeal.
You should be fine without anaesthetic. I forget the name....New Zealand product...smelt like liquorice.
If possible, and I know it adds to the cost, but if its only fronts, try have them individually bagged.

 

Cool Rowland!

Definitely agree on the one fish per bag thing for larger fish and having as little water as possible while keeping it as clean as possible, and bagging with emphasis on oxygen instead of fluctuations in water parameters. What about the size (foot-print if you will) of the bags? Do you want the fish to be able to turn around and what not like the guppies in pet store bags?

Eish, ja! 48 hours can be very bloody stressful I guess.