How to transport live fish and other aquatic species?

Do you transport live fish? For professionals, the regulations applicable to your business (Regulation (EC) n°1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport) specify your obligations. Are you an individual aquarist wondering how to transport your fish or move an aquarium? There are a number of precautions you need to take to ensure that your trip goes as smoothly as possible.
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Article abstract:

  • The transport of live fish is governed by regulation (EC) n°1/2005 with CAPTAV/TAV training, approval of means and commitment to operate, applicable from 65 km and for several animals.
  • Fish well-being requires controlled water quality (oxygen, CO2, ammonia, pH), gradual thermal acclimatization and a dark, shock-protected environment.
  • Freshbox® insulated EPS boxes provide thermal and mechanical protection, are lightweight, customizable, recyclable and available in sizes from 1.2 L to 55 L for safe, practical transport.

When should you transport live fish?

Are you an aquaculture professional, a distributor or a logistician specializing in fish transport? Then you are subject to EC regulation no. 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport. Since January 5, 2008, anyone transporting live animals must comply with the following requirements:

  • The carrier must hold a CAPTAV certificate (or TAV training for fish) or have obtained a recognized diploma;
  • Means of transport must be approved for transporting animals;
  • He must hold a commitment from the farm.

Whether moving an aquarium, distributing seafood products or transporting fish from an aquaculture farm, these regulations apply to journeys of more than 65 km and to moves involving several animals.

Of course, containers are also suitable for transporting live fish and other aquatic species. They preserve marine animals in water with little temperature variation, and are capable of absorbing shocks during the move.

Transporting live fish: what precautions should you take?

Transport conditions must ensure the fish’s well-being and, if necessary, be subject to appropriate corrective measures, depending on the duration of transport. Various parameters need to be taken into account:

  • Water quality: avoid silt, suspended particles and polluting chemicals;
  • Chemical composition of water: changes progressively during transport. Dissolved oxygen, carbon dioxide, ammonia and water pH need to be monitored in the event of prolonged transport;
  • Water temperature: never expose your fish to sudden temperature changes, but acclimatize them gradually, in 20-minute increments for a difference of 5°C;
  • Environment: keep your fish in the dark and away from shocks to minimize stress;
  • Packaging: opt for a protective container.
Boîte en polystyrène expansé Freshbox avec poissons

Need more information?

Find out more about our solutions for transporting fish or exotic animals.

Choose FRESHBOX® to transport your live fish

Are you looking for a safe way to transport your fish or other aquatic species? Opt for our Freshbox® solutions.

This range of insulated expanded polystyrene is particularly suitable for protecting the thermal and physical integrity of its contents. Shock-resistant, Freshbox® boxes can be stacked and palletized.

A durable, high-performance insulated box

Choosing the Freshbox® insulated boxmeans combining efficiency and durability at the best price. Benefit from the advantages of a shock-absorbing container that keeps your live fish in water at a controlled temperature throughout transport. Here are the advantages of our solution:

  • High-performance thermal insulation to protect the animals’ physical integrity;
  • Eco-designed solution with a circular economy approach;
  • Lightweight, easy-to-handle container;
  • Packaging can be customized (logo, color, etc.) to reflect your corporate image.

Discover our Freshbox® insulated crate with integrated lid in a variety of sizes: from the small 1.2 L container to the large 55 L tub, it takes up the volume you need, accommodating animals of all sizes. Opt for a reliable, practical, recyclable and customizable transport solution: guarantee controlled water temperature in a heavy-duty container with Knauf Industries. For a stress-free move, whatever the distance.

An EPS solution for easy transport

The Freshbox® insulated crate is made from expanded polystyrene (EPS), a material with high thermal performance and exceptional strength! Widely used in the agri-food, health and aquaculture sectors, EPS protects fragile products and live animals against shock and temperature variations. Lightweight, water-repellent and neutral, our box is highly resistant and easy to handle. What’s more, this material is recyclable. Ideal for transporting live fish and other aquatic species in complete safety.

TRANSPORT YOUR FISH SAFELY with knauf industries

With 40 years of expertise in packaging and customized technical parts, Knauf Industries is the trusted partner of major manufacturers in all sectors. We meet your thermal insulation needs for the transport of sensitive products, such as live animals and foodstuffs.

Designed to withstand extreme conditions, our isothermal packaging such as Freshbox® ensures optimum protection for fish and other aquatic species over long distances.

Preserve the quality of your perishables and sensitive products with isothermal solutions from Knauf Industries. Discover our innovative, high-performance range, developed by our ID Lab R&D laboratory. And if you have a particular need, our teams can also design customized packaging for goods in the agri-food, health, chemical, cosmetics and other sectors. Contact us to find out more!

Conclusion: Transporting live fish with complete peace of mind

Whether for aquaculture, distribution or aquarium relocation, compliance with Regulation (EC) No. 1/2005 and control of water parameters are essential to guarantee the well-being of fish over both short and long distances. By choosing Knauf Industries’ Freshbox® insulation boxes, you benefit from a robust, palletizable EPS solution capable of maintaining a stable water temperature and absorbing shocks, while at the same time contributing to a circular economy. Backed by 40 years of expertise and the innovation of our ID Lab, the Freshbox® range – customizable and available in sizes from 1.2 L to 55 L – is a reliable choice for securing your live fish transports.

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