What Do I Do With Fish and Bugs in Animal Crossing?
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In the charming world of Animal Crossing, catching fish and bugs is more than just a pastime; it’s a core activity that drives progression, fills your pockets, and enriches your virtual life. So, what exactly should you do with these wriggling, buzzing critters you’ve painstakingly captured? The short answer is: a lot! You can donate them to the museum, sell them for Bells, or even hold onto them for special occasions. Each option provides unique benefits that cater to different play styles and goals. Let’s dive deeper into the details of how to make the most of your catches.
Donate to the Museum
One of the most fulfilling aspects of Animal Crossing is building your very own museum. Blathers, the erudite owl, eagerly awaits each new discovery to add to his collection. Donating the first of any fish or bug you encounter is crucial for completing your museum’s exhibits. The reward? A beautifully curated space showcasing the diverse wildlife of your island. Seeing the fish swim serenely in their tanks, and the bugs displayed in their natural habitats is a delightful experience that no Animal Crossing player should miss. Not only does donating complete your Critterpedia, but it also unlocks different parts of the museum. The museum is the heart of your island; it is crucial to invest in it!
The Critterpedia
Filling out your Critterpedia is a primary goal for many players. This in-game encyclopedia logs every fish and bug you’ve discovered, offering valuable insights into their appearance, habitats, and selling prices. The gold net recipe, a highly coveted tool for avid collectors, is your reward for catching all of the bugs. Similarly, completing your fish collection has its own sense of accomplishment.
Sell Your Catches for Bells
While donating is essential for your museum and Critterpedia, selling fish and bugs provides the currency you need to enhance your island and home. Bells are used to buy furniture, tools, clothing, and many other valuable items within the game.
Nook’s Cranny
Nook’s Cranny is your go-to place for selling most items. However, while it’s convenient, it’s worth noting that using the drop-off box outside the shop will only get you 80% of the standard price. Therefore, it’s best to wait until the shop is open to maximize your profit.
Special Visitors: CJ and Flick
Maximize your profit with special visitors: CJ the beaver for fish and Flick the chameleon for bugs. They appear randomly on your island and will pay 150% of the standard price for your catches. If you spot them wandering around, it’s a great day for selling! Additionally, they often task you with catching certain types of fish or bugs, providing extra incentives. They may ask you to catch 3 small fish or 5 different types of bugs, which can unlock new dialogue and also provide even more Bells!
Keeping Rare Items
While the temptation to sell every fish and bug is high, some are worth keeping. Consider reserving some of your most prized catches, such as rare fish and rare bugs, for potential trades with other players or to use as impressive decorative displays in your home. You can also use them to make rare DIY projects. These items include things like the Coelacanth, Great White Shark, and Giraffe Stag.
Rare Fish and Bugs
Rare fish like the Coelacanth, often found during rainy conditions, can be difficult to catch but sell for a high price. Rare bugs like the Giraffe Stag and Scorpion are similarly valuable and desirable for collectors and sellers alike. They are also an opportunity for you to get rarer, golden tools!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Should I always donate the first of each fish and bug?
Yes, absolutely. Donating the first of each species you encounter is crucial for completing your museum and the Critterpedia. It’s a foundational element of the game and provides a long-term goal to work towards.
2. What is the best place to sell fish and bugs?
The best place to sell fish and bugs is to CJ for fish and Flick for bugs as they offer 150% of the usual prices. If they are not visiting, then Nook’s Cranny is your next best option. Avoid the drop-off box, which gives only 80% of the price.
3. Which fish sell for the most Bells?
Some of the most profitable fish include the Coelacanth, Great White Shark, Oarfish, and Football Fish. These rare catches can significantly boost your income.
4. What are some of the rarest bugs to catch?
Rare bugs include the Giraffe Stag, Scorpion, Tarantula, and Golden Stag. Their scarcity makes them valuable both for collectors and those seeking to earn a lot of Bells.
5. Why does Blathers hate bugs?
Blathers has entomophobia, a fear of insects. This stems from a childhood experience when a mantis egg case hatched on his desk, resulting in a swarm of the insects that scared him. This is why he always makes comments about the donation of bugs.
6. What is worth keeping besides the first donation?
Gold nuggets are incredibly valuable for crafting and selling. Rare fish and bugs can also be kept for decorative purposes, for use in DIY recipes, or for trading with other players.
7. What should I do with common fish and bugs?
Common fish and bugs are primarily meant for selling at Nook’s Cranny. They may also be used as bait or for fulfilling specific tasks during events.
8. Is there any reason to keep fish other than museum donations?
Yes, you might want to keep some of the rarest fish for trading with other players, or as unique decorations in your house. Some may also be used for DIY crafting recipes or as items of personal collection.
9. How do I attract rarer fish and bugs?
Using fish bait (crafted with manila clams) can increase the chances of encountering rarer fish. Time of day, season, and weather conditions can also influence the availability of certain species. Try shaking trees, and looking in ponds or rivers for rare bugs.
10. What is the lowest-selling fish in the game?
The tadpole, with a selling price of only 100 Bells, is the lowest selling fish in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
11. Are there items in the game worth more than fish and bugs?
Yes, crafted items such as the Trophy Case and Street Piano, and some of the most expensive store items like the Crown, Throne, and Luxury Car, fetch a much higher price than even the rarest fish or bugs.
12. Can I sell fish and bugs to my villagers?
No, you cannot sell fish or bugs directly to your villagers. You can, however, gift them fish and bugs, and they may respond to you accordingly!
13. What are the best ways to earn Bells quickly?
Focusing on catching valuable fish and bugs, selling them to CJ and Flick, and diversifying your island with pricier fruit are all great ways to accumulate Bells quickly.
14. Are there seasonal fish and bugs?
Yes, fish and bugs availability varies by season, time of day, and weather conditions. The Critterpedia will track which bugs and fish are available. This makes collecting all the species a fun activity!
15. What is the most common beginner mistake I should avoid?
Selling fossils right away can hinder your museum progression. Ensure you have Blathers evaluate all fossils before selling them. Also, make sure you don’t forget to shake trees, and keep a close eye on events.
By understanding the many uses for fish and bugs, you can elevate your Animal Crossing experience. Whether you’re aiming to complete the museum, fill your coffers with Bells, or simply enjoy the thrill of the hunt, these virtual critters provide endless opportunities for enjoyment and progression in your island paradise.