Local Aquarium Fish Shop

Hobbyists, families buying a first tank, and people replacing fish or topping up supplies.

Margin on livestock and on dry goods such as tanks, equipment and food. Regular customers come back often for supplies and water testing.

• Knowledge of fish care and water quality
• Customer service and patient advice
• Stock buying and cash control

• Check municipal zoning and business licence rules for selling live animals
• Check federal and provincial rules on which fish species can be sold, as some are restricted as invasive. Ask your provincial ministry and Fisheries and Oceans Canada
• If you import fish directly, check import permit and health requirements with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency
• Livestock losses and high electricity bills for heating, filtration and lighting
• Winter delivery of live fish needs insulated packing, and power cuts can threaten stock

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $30,000 to $150,000, depending on shop size, how many tanks and filtration systems you install, and your opening stock. Get your own quotes before committing to a lease.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on location, your range of fish and supplies, and how many regular customers you build. Allow for livestock losses and high electricity bills when planning.

Check municipal zoning and business licence rules for selling live animals, and federal and provincial rules on restricted or invasive species with your provincial ministry and Fisheries and Oceans Canada. If you import fish directly, check permit and health requirements with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.