Hey there fellow shrimp enthusiasts! I’ve been on a mission to find the best places to buy live shrimp, and lemme tell you – it ain’t always easy! After tons of research and personal experience I’m gonna share everything you need to know about finding fresh, wiggly shrimp near you.
Quick Answer
You can find live shrimp at:
- Local pet stores (PetSmart, Petco)
- Seafood markets
- Asian grocery stores
- Farmer’s markets
- Bait shops
- Local fishermen/shrimp boats
- Online retailers
Detailed Guide: Best Places to Buy Live Shrimp
1. Pet Stores
PetSmart and similar stores actually carry several types of live shrimp
- Ghost shrimp
- Cherry shrimp
- Amano shrimp
Pro tip: These stores often have sales like “Buy 4, get 1 FREE” on certain species. I’ve saved quite a bit this way!
2. Local Seafood Markets
These are my personal fave spots for culinary-grade live shrimp. Here’s what to look for:
- Clear tanks with active shrimp
- Fresh water circulation
- Clean environment
- Knowledgeable staff
3. Asian Grocery Stores
Many Asian markets have live seafood sections Benefits include
- Competitive prices
- Various sizes available
- Fresh daily deliveries
- Expert handling
4. Farmer’s Markets
Seasonal availability but worth checking out because:
- Direct from fishermen
- Usually caught same day
- Supporting local business
- Better prices than retail
How to Ensure Quality When Buying Live Shrimp
Visual Inspection Checklist:
- Clear, alert eyes
- Firm, translucent flesh
- Active movement
- No black spots or discoloration
- Fresh, ocean-like smell (not fishy!)
Questions to Ask Sellers:
- When were they caught?
- Where are they from?
- How should they be transported?
- What’s the best way to store them?
Price Guide (2025 Average Prices)
| Type | Size | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Pet Shrimp | Small | $2.99 – $4.49 |
| Ghost Shrimp | Medium | $0.29 – $0.99 |
| Live Cooking Shrimp | Large | $12.99 – $19.99/lb |
| Premium Tiger Shrimp | Jumbo | $24.99 – $29.99/lb |
Online Options
Ya know what’s cool? You can actually order live shrimp online now! Here are some reliable options:
- Overnight Shipping Services
- Fresh seafood marketplaces
- Local fisheries with shipping
- Specialty aquarium suppliers
- Local Delivery Apps
- Some seafood markets on DoorDash
- Specialty seafood delivery services
- Same-day delivery options
Tips for Transporting Live Shrimp
Listen up, coz this is important! Here’s how to get your shrimp home safely:
- Preparation:
- Bring a cooler
- Ice packs
- Clean water
- Oxygen bags (for pet shrimp)
- During Transport:
- Keep temperature stable
- Avoid direct sunlight
- Minimize movement
- Get home quick!
Storage Guidelines
For Cooking:
- Use within 24 hours
- Keep on ice
- Don’t submerge in fresh water
- Store at 38-42°F
For Aquariums:
- Acclimate slowly
- Match water parameters
- Quarantine new arrivals
- Monitor behavior
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t buy inactive shrimp
- Skip the bargain deals that seem too good
- Never store in tap water
- Don’t forget to check local regulations
- Avoid mixing different species
My Personal Experience
I gotta tell ya, I learned some of this stuff the hard way! Last summer, I bought some live shrimp from a sketchy place (big mistake!) and ended up with a bunch of dead ones before I even got home. Now I always check the activity level and bring proper transport gear.
Final Thoughts
Finding live shrimp near you might take some effort, but it’s totally worth it! Whether you’re cooking up a storm or starting an aquarium, fresh live shrimp just can’t be beat.
Remember to:
- Call ahead to check availability
- Bring proper transport equipment
- Buy from reputable sellers
- Follow storage guidelines
Would you like me to explain any part of this article in more detail?
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I Bought Live Shrimp on AMAZON???!!!
FAQ
Does PetSmart sell live shrimp?
Yes, PetSmart does sell live shrimp. They offer various types of shrimp, including ghost shrimp, cherry shrimp, and others, depending on the specific store location.
How much do live shrimp cost?
Live Shrimp & More
Live Shrimp are the easily the most sought after live bait for inshore fishing. We operate our shrimp boats in year round in order to stock live bait shrimp in every month of the year. We charge $4.55 for a dozen live shrimp which is $5 per dozen including taxes.
Can I buy live shrimp online?
Start your freshwater aquarium hobby with confidence, from America’s largest online retailer of shrimp, fish and aquatic livestock, with a 100% live arrival guarantee, fast, secure shipping and expert care guides.
Does Petco have pet shrimp?
Freshwater shrimp are available for purchase at Petco online and in store; availability varies by location. If visiting your local Pet Care Center, please call ahead to check availability.
Where can you buy fresh shrimp?
The shrimp tested were purchased from Walmart, Kroger, Albertsons, Costco, Fry’s Marketplace, Hy-Vee, Sprouts Farmers Market and other retailers in 27 cities throughout the U.S. Fresh (never-frozen) shrimp were not tested in the report, since U.S. consumers don’t buy many.
Can you buy live shrimp?
Many people are looking to buy live shrimp*. Fishermen prefer to use live shrimp over dead or frozen shrimp for bait, or you can sell your shrimp to other breeders who have just started out in this line of business. Shrimp breed relatively quickly and easily, so you won’t have to worry about running out.*
Where can I find freshwater shrimp online?
Vivid Aquariums is a place where you can find freshwater shrimp, including species such as Harlequin Shrimp and the Red-Banded Pistol Shrimp. This online fish store offers a unique range of shrimp varieties suitable for both occasional hobbyists and diehard enthusiasts.
Which is the best online store for buying shrimp?
Vivid Aquariums is one of the best online stores for buying shrimp, featuring species such as Harlequin Shrimp and the Red-Banded Pistol Shrimp. Founded by Dave Burr out of his passion for reef keeping, it does its best to make the hobby as accessible to beginners as possible.
Where can I buy good-quality aquarium shrimp?
For buying good-quality aquarium shrimp online, consider Flip Aquatics. Founded over a decade ago, it is an excellent choice as it is an outlet for founder Robert Lupton’s passion for raising shrimp.
Can you sell shrimp on a website?
If selling shrimp is a business for you, you can sell them on your website. Keep in mind that you might need a license for a shrimp farm, depending on your state. How Much Can You Sell Shrimp For?