Start a home fish room and sell aquarium fish locally

Local hobbyists, beginners setting up a tank and people who prefer buying from a small, knowledgeable seller.

Profit on fish you buy from wholesalers or breed yourself, plus small add-on sales such as food, plants and water conditioners.

• Fish keeping and water quality management
• Photography and online listings
• Clear communication with customers

• Check your city or county for a business license and home occupation permit, and your HOA or lease rules
• Check your state's rules on selling live fish and whether any species are restricted or banned
• Shipping live fish needs careful packaging and may have carrier and state rules, check before you offer it
• Homeowner or renter insurance may not cover business use or customer visits, ask about general liability cover
• Electricity cost, water leaks and disease risk in a home setup

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how many tanks or racks you set up, your filtration and the fish stock you buy. These figures are estimates. Electricity costs also add up in a home setup.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on the species you sell, your pricing and how many local hobbyists you reach. Disease risk and leaks in a home setup can affect results.

Check your city or county for a business license and home occupation permit, plus any HOA or lease rules. Check your state's rules on selling live fish and restricted species. If you ship fish, check carrier and state rules, and ask about insurance.