Local aquarium shop with live fish

Hobbyists, families buying a first tank, and experienced keepers looking for specific fish, plants or equipment.

Mark-up on livestock, tanks and equipment, plus regular repeat sales of food, filter media and treatments. Water testing, setup help and tank maintenance can add extra income.

• Good knowledge of fishkeeping and water chemistry
• Friendly, patient customer advice
• Stock control and ordering from wholesalers
• Daily animal care routines

• Check your province and municipality for any pet shop, business or animal sale licences
• Check federal and provincial rules on which fish and aquatic plants may be sold, as some invasive species are restricted
• Livestock losses from disease, power cuts or heating failure, so plan quarantine tanks and backup power
• Commercial general liability and property insurance, including cover for water damage
• GST/HST and any provincial sales tax once you pass the threshold, and high electricity bills for heating, lighting and filtration
• Winter deliveries of live fish, which need heat packs and careful timing

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on premises, display tanks and opening stock. Monthly revenue is estimated at about $10,000 to $40,000, depending on location and the range you carry.

Check your province and municipality for any pet shop, business or animal sale licences. Also check federal and provincial rules on which fish and aquatic plants may be sold, since some invasive species are restricted, plus insurance and sales tax requirements.

Estimates suggest at least about 40 hours a week, depending on opening hours and staffing. Useful skills include fishkeeping and water chemistry knowledge, patient customer advice, stock control and ordering, and daily animal care routines.