DOA

What does DOA mean?

DOA is the standard livestock-shipping term for a specimen that arrives dead or dies within a defined claim window after delivery. Most aquatic vendors offer a DOA window (2 hours for fish, 4 for coral and hardy inverts, 24 for plants) starting at carrier-reported delivery time.

How is DOA used in aquariums?

Fast Aquatics standard: DOA window (2 hours for fish, 4 for coral and hardy inverts, 24 for plants) with photo evidence required, processed within 24 hours. Climate-aware shipping holds the order if forecasted temperatures at the destination ZIP exceed safe thresholds. Browse Buyer Protection for the full claim process.

How DOA fits the bigger picture

Understanding DOA matters because it's connected to broader husbandry decisions: sourcing decisions echo for years: a hardier captive-bred specimen pays back its premium in lower mortality + faster acclimation.

Browse the Fast Aquatics care library for full husbandry tutorials covering DOA in context.

Frequently asked questions

What does DOA mean in fishkeeping?

DOA stands for Dead On Arrival. DOA is the standard livestock-shipping term for a specimen that arrives dead or dies within a defined claim window after delivery. Most aquatic vendors offer a DOA window (2 hours for fish, 4 for coral and hardy inverts, 24 for plants) starting at carrier-reported delivery time. Climate-aware shipping holds the order if forecasted temperatures at the destination ZIP exceed safe thresholds.