Sandfish
A fish that thrives in desert climates. Has adapted to survive in the harsh desert pond environment.
Quick answer
Where to catch Sandfish in Stardew Valley
Catch Sandfish at Desert during Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter from 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM in any weather. It sells for 75g at normal quality and 150g when smoked.
Desert
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
6:00 AM - 8:00 PM, any weather
75g base, 150g iridium
67g Roe -> 134g Aged Roe
Trap Bobber or Barbed Hook
Keep one for Specialty Fish Bundle after unlocking the Desert
Is Sandfish worth keeping?
Keep the first Sandfish for the Specialty Fish Bundle. It is available all year, but only after you can reach the Calico Desert.
When to sell or smoke it
Sell extras freely if the bundle is complete. Sandfish is useful because of access gating, not because its 75g base price is a major money maker.
Fish Pond and Roe
A Sandfish pond is optional. Use it for collection or desert-themed farming, not as a top income source. Formula value: 67g Roe, then 134g Aged Roe.
Best route
What to do with Sandfish
Repair the bus or otherwise unlock Calico Desert, then fish the Desert pond from 6 AM to 8 PM in any season. Keep one before using extras for ponds or shipping.
Unlock Desert, then catch one
Required for the Specialty Fish Bundle.
The catch window is generous, but the access gate is not. If you are routing Community Center Year 1, the Vault timing controls when Sandfish becomes realistic.
Where & When to Find Sandfish
Location
- Desert
Found in the desert pond at the Calico Desert.
Time & Conditions
Difficulty & Catching Strategy
Difficulty: 65
MediumModerate challenge
Mixed Behavior
Unpredictable movement that alternates between different patterns. Requires adaptability.
Tip: Stay centered and react to changes. Don't commit too heavily to one direction.
Expert Tips for Sandfish
More accessible than Scorpion Carp but still requires desert access. Good desert fishing practice.
Recommended Tackle
Trap Bobber
Slower catch bar drain
Best for: Difficult fish that move a lot
Barbed Hook
Clinging to fish
Best for: Smooth/mixed behavior fish
Tackle requires an Iridium Rod. Purchase from Willy's shop at Fishing Level 6.
Sell Prices by Quality
| Quality | Price |
|---|---|
| Normal | 75g |
| Silver | 93g |
| Gold | 112g |
| Iridium | 150g |
Smoked Fish Value
The Fish Smoker uses 1 Coal and doubles the fish sell price while preserving quality. Fisher or Angler changes the fish value first; Artisan then increases the smoked product.
| Input Quality | Fish Value | Smoked Value |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | 75g | 150g |
| Silver | 93g | 186g |
| Gold | 112g | 224g |
| Iridium | 150g | 300g |
Formula: fish sell price x 2. See the formula audit for source notes.
Uses for Sandfish
- Desert exclusive
- Sashimi
- Fish pond
Did You Know?
Real sandfish aren't actually fish—they're a type of skink lizard that 'swims' through sand!