Home-Based pond fish seller

Home garden pond owners, people building new ponds, and small landscapers who need a few fish at a time.

You sell each fish at a markup over your cost, priced by size and variety. Larger or show-quality koi sell for more. You can add fish food, water conditioner and pond health advice.

• Water quality and fish health basics
• Patience and attention to detail
• Friendly advice for first-time pond owners

• Rules on selling live fish differ by province, so check with your provincial ministry of natural resources or agriculture whether you need a licence or permit
• Some fish species are restricted under invasive species rules, so check which varieties are allowed in your province before you buy or sell
• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence or limits animals or large tanks at home
• Fish are living stock: losses from disease, heat or power cuts are a real cost, and winter holding adds heating and power costs
• Commercial general liability insurance and clear records of where your fish came from

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on your tank setup and the stock you buy. Losses from disease, heat or power cuts, and winter heating, are further costs to plan for.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $600 to $3,000, depending on how much stock you sell and your local demand. Most sales happen from late spring to early autumn, and the estimate assumes about 6 hours a week at minimum.

Check with your provincial ministry of natural resources or agriculture whether you need a licence or permit. Also check which species are restricted under invasive species rules, and whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence or limits animals or tanks.