Live Medaka Shipped to Montana
Yes, I ship live Japanese rice fish to Montana. 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 Montana.
Montana weather and your fish
Montana winters are long and very cold, and the growing season is short. Most keepers here will want fish indoors for the winter, with an outdoor tub as a summer home.
Billings and Missoula see long winters and cool nights, even into June. Don't rush an outdoor tub in spring, and keep summer water well sheltered, since big temperature drops overnight are normal here.
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 3 to 6. 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 Montana
Nothing in my plant shop is on my restricted list for Montana today.
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 Montana?
Yes, from Raleigh, North Carolina, by UPS 2nd Day Air on Mondays, with a live arrival guarantee.
Can medaka live outside all year in Montana?
Sometimes, in a large, deep container. Colder areas are safer with an indoor winter home.