RoboFish Review
RoboFish Review
RoboFish Review dives into one of the quirkiest and most fascinating toys from the Top 10 Christmas Toys 2013 list. Created by ZURU, the RoboFish wowed kids and parents alike by mimicking the movement, speed, and natural look of a real fish—without the mess, feeding, or tank cleaning that comes with a live pet. Simply drop it in water and watch it come to life, swimming in all directions with an eerily realistic motion that had many doing a double take.
If you love innovative playthings like this, check out our best Christmas toys 2025 guide for today’s tech-savvy favourites.
What’s in the Box?
- RoboFish: Battery-powered robotic fish available in various colours and designs.
- Spare Batteries: For hours of continuous swimming fun.
- Instruction Manual: Easy setup and care tips.
How It Works
The RoboFish is equipped with internal sensors that detect when it’s in water, instantly activating its motor and tail mechanism. This allows it to swim in lifelike patterns—darting, diving, and even changing direction randomly to mimic the behaviour of a real fish.
It can be used in bathtubs, sinks, fish tanks, or even large bowls, offering a low-maintenance way for children to experience the fun of having a pet fish. The instant activation and automatic shut-off when removed from water make it both easy to use and battery-efficient.
Background & Cultural Impact
In 2013, the RoboFish captured the imagination of kids worldwide. It arrived during a wave of tech-driven toys that blended robotics with realism, standing out for its affordability and novelty factor. Parents loved it as an alternative to live pets, while kids couldn’t resist the fun of racing their RoboFish or setting up underwater obstacle courses.
The product’s viral success was boosted by countless social media videos of the toy in action, making it a conversation piece as much as a plaything.
Play Benefits and Skill Development
- Responsibility: Teaches children the basics of pet care (without the long-term commitment).
- STEM Curiosity: Sparks interest in robotics and engineering through lifelike movement.
- Imaginative Play: Encourages creative underwater adventures and obstacle challenges.
- Relaxation: Watching the RoboFish swim can be surprisingly calming.
Festive Play Ideas
- Christmas Fish Race: Compete to see whose RoboFish reaches the end of a water-filled track first.
- Holiday Aquarium Display: Decorate a fish tank with festive ornaments and let the RoboFish “swim” through it.
- ❄ Winter Pond Adventure: Pretend your RoboFish is exploring icy waters in the Arctic.
Advanced Play
- Create underwater mazes using plastic cups and building blocks.
- Film your RoboFish in slow motion for a mesmerising video.
- Time-trial challenges—how fast can your fish swim a set distance?
What Parents & Kids Are Saying
“It looks so real—our cat tried to catch it!”
“The kids love racing them in the bathtub.”
“A great novelty gift—works straight out of the box.”
“Surprisingly relaxing to watch in the tank.”
“Goes through batteries quickly, but worth it for the fun.”
About ZURU
ZURU is known for creating innovative and affordable toys with mass appeal. From high-tech novelties like RoboFish to global hits like Bunch O Balloons, the company combines clever engineering with playful design to deliver memorable products worldwide.
Why It Made the 2013 Christmas Charts
With a retail price of around £14.99 in 2013, RoboFish offered a perfect mix of novelty, affordability, and instant fun. It was one of those rare toys that could amuse toddlers, older kids, and even adults, making it an ideal Christmas stocking filler or main gift.
Best For Ages 3+
- Kids fascinated by animals and underwater life.
- Children interested in robotics and tech toys.
- Gift givers looking for an affordable, memorable present.
Parental Tips & Setup Notes
- Keep spare batteries on hand for uninterrupted play.
- Rinse and dry the RoboFish after each use to keep it in top condition.
- ⚠ Use under supervision with very young children to avoid small part hazards.
Where to Buy in 2025
The original RoboFish remains a popular novelty, with updated versions now available. Vintage 2013 models are still found on resale platforms and in toy collector circles, often valued for their original packaging and designs.
Final Verdict
The RoboFish is a perfect example of a simple idea executed brilliantly. By combining robotics with lifelike movement, ZURU created a toy that was fun, affordable, and captivating. Its place on the 2013 Christmas charts was well deserved, and it still makes waves today as a fun gift for all ages.
For more innovative favourites, visit our most popular Christmas toys page or head to the RoboFish product page.
Some links on our site are affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. 🎄
Available From:
Top 10 Christmas toys sell out very quickly, order now to avoid disappointment.