Does Walmart Have Fish? (Lobster And Other Pets)

By Phillip Adcock
Last updated: Jan 8, 2023
Does Walmart Have Fish

Pets are an important part of our lives to make people feel relaxed and loved, so it’s no surprise that we want them to have the best life. 

You may want to start adopting a pet from today, but do you want a different kind instead of dogs and cats?

Does Walmart Have Lobster & Fish?

Unfortunately, Walmart is no longer selling live fish or lobsters now. Due to a lack of demand, the retail giant and supercenter Walmart claims to have stopped selling them at approximately 1,700 US stores in 2019. 

Even though their live fish department will no longer be a thing, people can still purchase pet supplies at their local location.

Why Did Walmart Stop Selling Lobster & Fish?

Even though Walmart held a large market share in this business, the retailer decided to stop selling fish because it was no longer profitable. After learning that the sales have been dropping in recent years, this decision was made. 

The drop in sales is attributed to the fish that look unhealthy when kept here. The other reason relates to animal rights as there is a national organization called PETA that was very concerned about how animals were being treated. 

They believe that store staff does not have enough experience or knowledge to care for these aquatic creatures properly. Just as their habitat is not guaranteed, the stores also do not have qualified staff to take care of this.

Many locations have been selling fish with low customer satisfaction ratings, so the retailer made this move.

When Did They Decide To Stop?

The company, around March 2019, decided to cease business. However, not all stores followed right after that.

Some branches stop selling later due to complicated processing. About seven months after the official announcement, in October 2021, they stopped selling this item throughout the system.

What Types Of Fish Did They Provide?

Many pet varieties they sold in the past are from different countries. The company would regularly import freshwater and tropical species, including betta from Thailand, Tetra, Cichlid, and Oscar species caught in South American and African rivers.

Does The Store Have Pet Supplies?

Pet Supplies

Should you be looking for the best place to find freshwater pet supplies, Walmart is your absolute first stop. They have an impressive selection of freshwater fish tanks, filters, and aquarium accessories.

Whatever you’re looking for, you will have many options available to choose from when it comes to any pet supplies or equipment. Below is a list of specific items for these aquatic creatures:

  • Tanks
  • Food
  • Fishbowl
  • Aquarium stands
  • Filtration systems
  • Accessories: plants, gravel, and décor

What if you’re a beginner and have no idea how to get started? There are many questions about these aquatic creatures (and what you need to consider before jumping right in). Walmart has got your back in that case. 

Just consult Walmart’s comprehensive buyer’s guide for beginners! They list several characteristics that make for great pets in families with children instead of solitary adult owners, how to choose an aquarium properly and maintenance tips!

Do They Sell Any Other Living Animals? 

In fact, they don’t sell living creatures, so if you’re looking for a pet store where you can choose pets such as dogs, rats, cats, mice, or birds, then you should look elsewhere.

Instead of making an unnecessary trip to Walmart to purchase your desired pet, visit a regional pet store, and they will be happy to assist you with anything on your shopping list.

Why Can’t You Find Lobster Tanks Anymore? 

As a result of getting feedback from lobster experts as well as animal health specialists, people have been advised not to buy live lobsters from stores that sell and distribute them in tanks.

It often results in a severely shortened life span and sometimes even death.

Walmart also realized the low quality when keeping lobster in tanks, so they decided to stop selling. You can now only buy them at specialized stores.

What Are Other Places To Buy Aquatic Creatures?

After the retail giant stopped selling living creatures in their stores, you’re probably wondering where else you can buy them to fill the tank. A lot of supermarkets in the US have also stopped selling this item. 

Luckily, there are plenty of options out there – many of which can be found at your local pet shop. Petsmart or Petco are great choices too!

Many online retailers, specialty stores, and breeders sell different species specializing in everything from shrimp and crabs to more exotic and rare tropical sea creatures, such as:

Conclusion

The world’s largest retailer – Walmart – has no plans to return to the fish selling industry just yet; they merely tout themselves as providers of pet supplies.

If you have any other questions that you would like us to answer in the future, please leave them in the comment section. We’re ready to help!

To know more about Walmart, you can also read our related articles on:

* Disclaimer: We do not buy, sell or provide service, we only share with you our trusted sources, and experience. In case of any changes in the products or services of the companies, all the information below is supposed to change at any time.

Phillip Adcock is the founder and Managing Director of the research agency Shopping Behaviour Xplained (SBXL), a shopping research organization using psychological consumer insight to explain and help consumers answer their questions about stores and services.

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