Live Medaka Shipped to California
Yes, I ship live Japanese rice fish to California. Boxes leave Raleigh, North Carolina on Mondays by UPS 2nd Day Air, so a Monday box is normally due Wednesday. I have no shop or pickup in California. Firefly fish have already landed in California.
California weather and your fish
California runs from foggy coast to inland valleys above 100°F and snowy Sierra towns. It is also the strictest state on my plant list, so read the plant section below closely.
San Diego and the Bay Area are about as gentle as outdoor keeping gets, while Fresno and Palm Springs need heavy shade and Tahoe needs real depth. Water restrictions are worth remembering too, since a lidless tub in dry air loses water quickly.
When to order
I check the forecast for your address and not just the state, because inland weather differs so much.
Keeping medaka here
Roughly USDA hardiness zones 5 to 11. Leave freeboard for rain on the mild coast, and add volume and shade inland. A 10-gallon or larger indoor tank works anywhere. More in my winter guide.
Plants for California
I do not ship Amazon Frogbit, Dwarf Water Lettuce, Floating Plant Variety Pack, Anacharis, and Submerged Plant Variety Pack to California. The rest of my plant shop can go, and the free floating plants in a fish or snail order are chosen from what is legal to send you.
Rates, holds, and the live arrival guarantee are on my shipping page. Never release fish or plants into local water, and ask your state wildlife agency about local rules.
Common questions
Can you ship live medaka to California?
Yes, from Raleigh, North Carolina, by UPS 2nd Day Air on Mondays, with a live arrival guarantee.
Can medaka live outside all year in California?
In mild areas, usually yes. Inland areas need more volume and care.