A method and apparatus for packaging live fish in sealed containers. A plastic container is partially filled with water, before receipt of fish, with at least some of the air evacuated from the container and replaced with a gas. An air-tight lid is sealed to the container capturing a layer of gas, such as oxygen, in a void over the water. The use of a clear or transparent container and lid, allows the container to operate as a miniature aquarium allowing storage of the fish for an extended period of time. The fish are acclimated to a point-of-use aquarium by weighting of the container for placement in the aquarium. The container includes printed marks for puncture holes to allow the exchange of water between the container and the receiving aquatic environment. The puncture holes permit a predetermined amount of air to escape the container while slowing being displaced by the water of the aquatic environment. The container is designed to sink providing an absolute indicator that fluid admixing is complete. The lid of the container can then be removed allowing the fish to enter their new environment, which is now the same as the water within the container.