How Many Fish Does Blathers Want? A Complete Guide to Museum Donations in Animal Crossing: New Horizons
The question of how many fish Blathers needs in Animal Crossing: New Horizons (ACNH) is a common one for both new and veteran players. The short answer is: Blathers doesn’t have a specific quota for fish. Instead, he requires a total number of unique creatures, including both fish and bugs, to establish and expand the museum. The number of fish you donate individually isn’t a metric to focus on; instead, aim to donate unique specimens of bugs, fish, and eventually fossils and art for the museum’s expansion.
To make it crystal clear:
- Initially, Tom Nook needs five creatures (mix of bugs and fish) from you. This is the initial step to unlock Blathers.
- Blathers requires 15 unique creatures (mix of bugs and fish) to move into a proper museum building. After giving the initial 5 to Tom Nook, Blathers will arrive the next day in a tent. You need to donate 15 unique creatures to upgrade from a tent into the official museum building.
- Blathers needs 60 total creatures (mix of bugs, fish, and fossils) to begin accepting art. This is the next expansion phase, and it is a cumulative total, including the initial 5 to Tom and 15 to Blathers to build the museum.
Ultimately, the goal isn’t to donate a certain number of fish, but to donate one of every species of fish you catch to complete your museum’s collection.
Understanding the Museum Donation Process
The museum in ACNH is central to the game’s collecting and discovery aspects. Blathers, the owl curator, is the person who accepts your donations. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the donation process:
- Initial Donations to Tom Nook: On your first day, Tom Nook will ask you to find five bugs or fish. After collecting them, speak to him and choose “I found a creature!” to donate.
- Blathers Arrives: The next day, Blathers will set up a tent on your island.
- Museum Tent Donations: Speak with Blathers in the tent and donate 15 unique creatures (bugs, fish, or even fossils if you have them).
- Museum Building Unlocks: After you have donated 15 unique creatures, the museum will begin construction.
- Museum Expansion: Once the Museum is open, keep donating more creatures! Once you have donated 60 creatures total (including the initial ones), Blathers will start accepting art.
- Ongoing Donations: Keep catching new species of fish, bugs, and discovering fossils to keep expanding the museum’s displays.
Why Focus on Unique Species?
Blathers only accepts unique species for donation. If you try to donate a fish you’ve already given him, he will politely refuse. This encourages players to explore the island’s ecosystem and catch various types of bugs and fish. Every donation contributes towards a comprehensive museum exhibit.
Beyond the Basics: Rare Fish and More
While the number of fish isn’t the objective, many players are interested in finding the rarest fish to donate to Blathers. Among these are:
- Coelacanth: A notoriously rare fish only found in the ocean during rainy weather.
- Great White Shark: Caught in the sea during specific months and times.
- Barreleye: A mysterious fish with transparent head, found during specific times of the year.
These rare fish not only fill out your museum but also add to the thrill of exploration. Remember, donating a rare fish will not change the amount of creatures Blathers requires to expand or accept art. The focus is still on unique species.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Blathers and Fish Donations
Here are some frequently asked questions related to Blathers, fish donations, and the museum in Animal Crossing: New Horizons:
How many bugs does Blathers need to open his tent?
Blathers doesn’t need any bugs or fish specifically to open his tent. After you donate the first 5 creatures to Tom Nook, Blathers will arrive the next day in a tent.
What happens if I donate the same fish twice?
Blathers will politely decline the second donation of a fish you have already donated to the museum. He is interested only in unique donations.
Should I donate my first catch of every species to Blathers?
Yes, most players recommend donating your first catch of every species to the museum. This fills the museum and allows you to keep track of the fish, bugs, fossils, and art that you’ve discovered. You can always sell duplicates to the Nooklings or C.J.
Can I donate fish to Blathers at any time of day?
Yes, Blathers is available at the museum during the day and night. He’ll always be happy to accept donations whenever you’re ready.
What happens if I can’t find Blathers?
Blathers will always be at the museum or in his tent. If you have not completed the initial donation to Tom Nook, he will not be on your island.
Is there a limit to how many donations Blathers accepts per day?
No, there is no limit to how many unique donations Blathers will accept per day. You can donate as many unique creatures as you find.
Why won’t Blathers accept my fish?
It’s possible that you already donated that species of fish. If you have multiple players on your island, they might have donated the fish without you knowing.
Should I sell rare fish or donate them?
It’s generally recommended to donate your first catch of any new rare fish to Blathers. The museum collection is a rewarding goal for many players. After your initial donation, you can sell duplicates to make extra bells or save them to trade with C.J.
What is Blathers’ favorite bug?
Despite his entomophobia, Blathers seems to have a soft spot for the Madagascan sunset moth.
What does Blathers hate most?
Blathers has a strong dislike for all insects, which often leads to comical reactions whenever the player donates one.
Does Blathers accept fake art?
No, Blathers will only accept real art for the museum. Fake art from Redd will be turned away.
Can I give Blathers fossils?
Yes! Blathers will accept fossils. He requires a total of 60 donations, including fossils, to start accepting art.
What are the benefits of donating to Blathers?
Donating to Blathers unlocks museum exhibits where you can view your findings. Completing the museum is a major achievement in the game, and it provides a wonderful showcase of your island’s ecosystem.
Who should I sell fish to, Nook’s Cranny or C.J.?
C.J. will pay 150% of the standard price that Nook’s Cranny offers for fish. Keep your eye out for C.J. to sell fish for higher profit.
How can I tell if I already donated a fish?
The easiest way is to check the museum. If a fish species is already in its exhibit, you’ve already donated it. You can also keep track of your donations using a checklist or other method.
In conclusion, while Blathers doesn’t have a set number of fish he specifically requires, the overall goal is to donate one of every unique species of fish, bugs, fossils, and art to complete the museum. This adds depth and encourages players to explore everything that Animal Crossing: New Horizons has to offer!