Group Import FAQ

Group import allows multiple customers to join one planned import together.

This makes it possible to bring in higher quality medaka more efficiently than trying to arrange small individual imports.

Group import pricing is usually lower than regular web store pricing, but it requires planning, waiting, and some flexibility.

Some strains offered through group import may not be listed on the web store at all.

Not necessarily.

We are not able to import every strain listed, as space and capacity are limited.

Even when we do import certain strains, there is no guarantee that they will successfully breed in the US. Not all medaka will produce stable or consistent offspring.

Some fish that are not claimed by customers during the group import may be listed on our website later as imported stock.

However, pricing on the website will typically be higher than group import pricing.

This is part of how the group import process works, as group import participants receive priority access and better pricing for committing early.

It gives customers access to strains that may be difficult to source in the US, while keeping the process organized and realistic on our side.

It also allows us to plan around breeder availability, shipment timing, and quarantine more carefully.

Yes. All fish are imported through proper legal channels with inspection and required documentation.

Pricing depends on breeder pricing, season, availability, exchange rate, and fish condition at the time of purchase.

Because live fish are limited and pricing can change, public pricing can create confusion or unrealistic expectations.

For that reason, pricing is shared with customers who have confirmed interest.

Yes.

All pricing shared through the group import process is confidential and should not be shared publicly or with others.

Violation may result in order cancellation and restriction from future purchases.

No.

All orders must be placed for yourself only.

Proxy purchasing is not allowed, and violation may result in order cancellation and restriction from future purchases.

Fish price + international shipping + domestic shipping.

International shipping is $35 per pair.

Domestic shipping depends on your location and total order.

No. There is no minimum order requirement for group import.

Sometimes, yes.

This depends on breeder availability.

No. Submitting interest does not guarantee reservation.

Your order is only considered confirmed after the invoice is sent and the deposit is paid on time.

A 50% deposit is required once you reserve your pair via our website.

This payment is non-refundable because the order is committed with the breeder immediately after confirmation.

No. The first payment is non-refundable.

Once the deposit is made, the order is committed and cannot be changed or canceled just because of a change of mind.

This is because we immediately secure the fish with the breeder after your order is confirmed.

Orders are generally processed based on who completes the deposit first.

Final availability still depends on breeder stock and fish condition at the time of purchase.

No. Availability is never fully guaranteed with live fish.

Even after planning, breeder stock can change, or fish may not be in suitable condition at the final time of shipping.

If the purchased strain is not available, you can choose another strain within a similar price range or receive a refund for that unavailable item.

We try our best to source a wide variety of strains, but not all strains are always available at the time of purchase. If the exact strain is not available, you may choose another strain with similar traits.

If you purchased a specific strain and it becomes unavailable for any reason, you may select another strain within the same price range or receive a refund for that unavailable strain.

Usually no.

Once the deposit is paid, the order is already being committed through the breeder side, so changes are generally not possible.

Not at this time.

We only work with breeders we know and trust through repeated imports and long-term relationships.

With live fish, consistency and reliability matter a lot, especially when it comes to health, packing quality, and shipment stability.

Not always, but each group import is planned around breeders we have verified and are comfortable working with.

We do build new relationships over time, but we do not open every import to random breeder requests.

Yes. All imported fish go through quarantine after arrival.

This helps us monitor their condition, let them settle, and reduce unnecessary risk before domestic shipment.

Quarantine is usually about 10 days, though that may vary slightly depending on fish condition and timing.

Yes. Videos will be published in our YouTube channel.

These are group videos showing each strain from the imported batch, not individual photos of the exact fish.

Fish will be shipped after full payment is received and once they are cleared to go following quarantine. We are currently targeting shipping between mid to late May, though timing may vary depending on shipment conditions.

Once the cargo schedule is confirmed, we will provide updates via email.

Most fish available in the spring are from the previous season, typically hatched before winter.

They are usually in the young adult to full adult stage and are at an ideal size for breeding during the current season.

Our medaka are raised outdoors under natural sunlight.

At SNR Medaka USA, as well as the breeders we work with, we strongly prefer outdoor breeding environments. While greenhouse setups may be used, the goal is always to raise fish under natural sunlight whenever possible.

The medaka we import have gone through a full winter cycle and have naturally overwintered. This plays a key role in their overall health, stability, and conditioning.

Overwintered medaka are noticeably different from fish that are raised in constant warm conditions year round, and many hobbyists can recognize this difference over time.

No. Breeding is not guaranteed.

Breeding depends on multiple factors including environment, temperature, water conditions, and overall care.

One way to improve your chances is to purchase multiple pairs instead of a single pair.

Having more fish increases the likelihood of getting strong breeding individuals.

That said, availability varies by strain, and larger quantities may not always be possible.

No. With live fish, exact outcomes cannot be guaranteed with complete certainty.

We do our best to source and sort responsibly, but live animals always involve some natural variation.

This is not a volume based process.

Each fish is handled carefully, and live fish always involve variables.

We focus on bringing in healthy, high-quality medaka and handling the process properly, and we appreciate your understanding throughout the process.

This DOA policy is different from our regular web store 14-day guarantee.

This group import DOA policy applies only at the time of delivery and does not include any extended guarantee period.

We offer a 100% refund if fish arrive dead.

To submit a DOA claim, you must send a clear video within 3 hours of the delivery timestamp showing:

1. The fish inside the sealed bag (the bag must remain unopened)

2. The fish outside the bag

Claims without proper video proof will not be accepted.

Shipping fees are non-refundable.

DOA policy applies only to purchased fish and does not cover any extras.

Our responsibility ends once the bag is opened.

Customers must be available to receive the shipment. DOA is not covered if fish are left outside or delayed at the carrier.