World’s largest single national market for ornamental marine fish. Massive reef hobbyist community. Well-developed import infrastructure in LA, Miami, Dallas. US transshipper model — professional importers distribute nationally.
Bluefields Aquatics exports marine ornamental fish from Kenya to importers, wholesalers and aquarium retailers in USA. As a licensed Indian Ocean exporter based at Mtwapa, Mombasa, we ship live saltwater fish to USA with full health and trade documentation, pure-oxygen packing and dead-on-arrival rates held below 2%. This page covers how shipments reach USA, what importers there need, and which species are in demand.
Shipping marine fish to USA
We ship to USA through Los Angeles LAX / Dallas DFW / Miami MIA, with a typical transit of ~28 hours via via amsterdam klm or qatar airways via doha. Marine fish travel by air freight from our two Kenyan gateways, Mombasa (MBA) and Nairobi (NBO), and we plan each consignment for the shortest reliable route to your airport — because transit time is the single biggest factor in arrival condition. You receive tracking and documents in advance so you can pre-clear customs and collect the box promptly. For more on routing, see our airline guide and international shipping page.
Import requirements for USA
USFWS Form 3-177 required for all live fish imports. APHIS documentation for some species. Licensed customs broker experienced with USFWS essential. Designated USFWS entry ports only. As your exporter we prepare the origin-side documentation — KEPHIS health certification, the commercial invoice and packing list, and CITES export permits for any listed species. You are responsible for meeting USA’s own import requirements, and we will advise on what your destination is likely to need. Our CITES guide and importing guide walk through the full process. Always confirm current rules with your national authority, as requirements change.
Popular species for USA buyers
World’s largest single national market for ornamental marine fish. Massive reef hobbyist community. Well-developed import infrastructure in LA, Miami, Dallas. US transshipper model — professional importers distribute nationally. Buyers in USA regularly order Purple Tang, Sohal Surgeonfish, Powder Blue Tang, Sailfin Tang and Anthias. We list over 250 marine species across 19 categories — browse the full species index or request our weekly stocklist for current availability and sizes to USA.
Order marine fish for USA
Whether you run a store, a wholesale operation or a public aquarium in USA, Bluefields Aquatics can supply healthy, well-conditioned marine ornamental fish direct from source. Tell us your destination airport and what you would like to order, and we will plan the fastest reliable route and confirm the documentation USA requires.