Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our conservation work, ethical captive breeding, livestock availability, and responsible aquatic care.
Is it ethical to sell endangered aquatic species
This is core to our work. We only ever sell species that we have successfully bred ourselves, and never animals taken from the wild. By keeping these species within the responsible aquatic hobby, we help preserve their long‑term survival and reduce pressure on wild populations. We also openly share our breeding methods so others can replicate our success and support conservation through captive breeding.
Do you deliver livestock
Yes, we do. We use the DX Overnight Animal Service, which is a specialist, licensed courier for live aquatic livestock. Delivery is currently charged at £30 per box.
Do you supply the trade
Very much so. We have built an excellent reputation for supplying both large wholesalers and local aquatic stores with high‑quality, captive‑bred livestock. If you’d like to know more, please email thaywood@osaquatics.co.uk or use the contact form on our website. All we require is your Animal Welfare Licence Number. Trade customers receive dedicated pricing based on volume and species.
May we visit the facility
Generally, private individuals are not permitted on site. This isn’t us being unfriendly — we take our biosecurity extremely seriously and cannot risk compromising the health and safety of the animals in our care. Limiting access is essential to maintaining a secure, disease‑free environment for our breeding programmes.
How often is your stock list updated
Our stock list is updated regularly based on breeding cycles, conservation priorities, and seasonal availability. Availability may be limited for rare or specialist species.
Are all your livestock captive‑bred
Yes. Everything we offer is bred in‑house at our UK conservation facility. We never sell wild‑caught livestock. Captive breeding reduces pressure on wild populations and supports long‑term species preservation.
What species do you specialise in
We focus on rare, endangered, and scientifically important species, including freshwater fish, axolotls, and conservation‑priority lines. Our breeding work supports both the aquatic hobby and wider conservation efforts. The actual choice of species changes all the time!
Can you provide care advice
Sadly, we do not have time to respond to the numerous general questions, we really are far too busy! If you have some questions about any recent purchase, then of course, we’d love to hear from you.
Do you accept returns or refunds on livestock
For animal welfare reasons, we cannot accept livestock returns. However, if there is an issue on arrival, please contact us immediately with photos and we will assist you.
Do you ship outside the UK
At present we only ship within the UK due to regulatory and welfare considerations.
Still have a question?
If you need more information about our livestock, conservation work, or breeding programmes, we’re always happy to help. Just get in touch and we’ll respond as soon as we can.
