Live Medaka Shipped to Minnesota
Yes, I ship live Japanese rice fish to Minnesota. 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 Minnesota. Firefly fish have already landed in Minnesota.
Minnesota weather and your fish
Minnesota winters can freeze a normal patio tub solid, so I would not leave fish in one here. An indoor tank through the cold months, or a truly deep in-ground pond, is the safe plan.
The warm-season tub is still a real pleasure here, especially from late spring through summer in the Twin Cities. Plan your move indoors well before the first hard frost, and bring the water with you to keep the change gradual.
When to order
Late spring through early fall is usually easiest. I hold boxes when a hard freeze is forecast.
Keeping medaka here
Roughly USDA hardiness zones 2 to 5. Outdoors, go large and deep, stop feeding below about 50°F, and never smash ice. A 10-gallon or larger indoor tank needs no heater. More in my winter guide.
Plants for Minnesota
I do not ship Anacharis and Submerged Plant Variety Pack to Minnesota. 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 Minnesota?
Yes, from Raleigh, North Carolina, by UPS 2nd Day Air on Mondays, with a live arrival guarantee.
Can medaka live outside all year in Minnesota?
Sometimes, in a large, deep container. Colder areas are safer with an indoor winter home.