RESTRICTED SPECIES LISTS BY STATE Feedback Thread

[Oddball]

I locked out the main thread since it's for informational/reference purposes. Here's a thread for any feedback anyone may wish to post. Keep it clean folks.

[koliveira]

CA looks good but the link does not work. here it is below

http://www.dfg.ca.gov/licensing/pdffiles/fg1518.pdf

[necrocanis]

I thought like the snakehead that walking catfishes were banned nationwide, but it isn't on the montana list. So is it possible to import them?

[Oddball]

No, they can no longer be imported (since July, 2005). Clarias cats fall into the Aquatic Invasive Species list. The Lacey Act prohibits the importation of any fish on the AIS list without proper permits. And, to date, no permits have been authorized.

[necrocanis]

are the permits on a case by case basis, or are they only for say public aquariums/ universities? Basically can anyone apply for them?

[Oddball]

Your guess is as good as mine. No permits have been authorized yet. My guess would be institutions only.

I wouldn't even try for a federal permit. They usually require facility inspections and periodic reinspections (none are free). Plus, the permits cost money, too. And there's nothing to prevent being awarded a permit one year, spending the money on inspections, proper housing for the fish, and the fish cost itself only to have another agent disapprove the permit the following year.
I'd only ever try for a state required permit on state restricted (but, not federally restricted) species.

[christijones]

thanks , good to know

[koliveira]

Some updates on the Maryland Laws.


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SUMMARY
The emergency snakehead regulations were approved by the Administrative, Executive, and Legislative Review Committee of the General Assembly and are effective November 23, 2004. The proposed permanent regulation is scheduled to be effective January 6, 2005. The regulation prohibits the live possession of two species of snakehead fish: Channa argus (Northern snakehead) and Channa maculata (blotched snakehead). The Northern and blotched snakehead fish are both temperate species and pose a long-term threat to ecosystem balance. The regulation complements federal rule by prohibiting the importation and transportation of any live fish or viable eggs of snakehead fishes of the family Channidae in the State. In addition, the regulation will prohibit the sale and breeding of snakehead fish of the family Channidae in order to prevent ownership of new snakehead fish.
REGULATIONS



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08. Department of Natural Resources
Subtitle 02. Fisheries Service

Chapter 19. Nuisance and Prohibited Species.

.01 Prohibitions
A. Except as authorized by Code of Federal Regulations, Title 50, Part 16, a person may not import, transport, or introduce into the State any live fish or viable eggs of snakehead fishes of the Family Channidae, including but not limited to:


Channa amphibeus - chel snakehead;
Channa argus - northern snakehead;
Channa asiatica - chinese snakehead;
Channa aurantimaculata - orangespotted snakehead;
Channa bankanensis - bangka snakehead;
Channa baramensis - baram snakehead;
Channa barca - barca snakehead;
Channa bleheri -rainbow snakehead;
Channa burmanica - burmese snakehead
Channa cyanospilos - bluespotted snakehead;
Channa gachua - dwarf snakehead;
Channa harcourtbutleri - inle snakehead;
Channa lucius - splendid snakehead;
Channa maculata - blotched snakehead;
Channa marulius - bullseye snakehead;
Channa maruloides - emperor snakehead;
Channa melanoptera - blackfinned snakehead;
Channa melasoma - black snakehead;
Channa micropeltes - giant snakehead;
Channa nox – night snakehead;
Channa orientalis - ceylon snakehead;
Channa panaw – panaw snakehead;
Channa pleurophthalmus - ocellated snakehead;
Channa punctata - spotted snakehead;
Channa stewartii - golden snakehead;
Channa striata - chevron snakehead;
Parachanna africana - niger snakehead;
Parachanna insignis - congo snakehead; and
Parachanna obscura - african snakehead.
B. A person may not sell or breed live snakehead fish of the Family Channidae in the State.

.02 Possession.

A. Except as provided in §B of this regulation a person may not possess the viable eggs or live snakehead fish of the species:


Channa argus (northern snakehead); and
Channa maculata (blotched snakehead).
B. The Department may issue a permit for the possession of a live snakehead fish for scientific purposes to a properly accredited person of known scientific attainment.

C. RONALD FRANKS
Secretary of Natural Resources





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DNR Home
Fisheries Home
Last updated on December 7, 2004

http://dnrweb.dnr.state.md.us/fish/2...ehead_comment/

http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries...head_faq.shtml

[myfishhadbabies]

hello, im new to this site and i was reading the restricted speices list of CA and many of the fish on the list are being sold in many fish store ive been to, is it just that im reading it wrong?

[N-E Cichlids]

Restricted species are not the same as Banned species. You can have certain types of restricted species. For example in Florida all boney tongued fish are illegal, However you can have and sell Silver Arowanas in florida. Just because they are restricted in your state dosen't mean you can't have certain types of the species.

[Oddball]

Restricted species are not the same as Banned species. You can have certain types of restricted species. For example in Florida all boney tongued fish are illegal, However you can have and sell Silver Arowanas in florida. Just because they are restricted in your state dosen't mean you can't have certain types of the species.

You cannot possess species on your state's restricted list without a permit. Otherwise, there wouldn't be much sense in promulgating a list in the first place. And, depending on the species you wish to maintain, a permit may require a pre-inspection of the holding facility and periodic spot inspections. (These inspections are charged to the permit holder).

[N-E Cichlids]

Sorry oddball. I think you are getting confused as to my answer to the question. The question was In California, why are LFS selling fish that are on the restricted species list. I am sure that every state defines their law differently. In the state of Florida, the list is classified into species as general. You have to read more in depths into the law. There are many kinds of fish that fall into a species. For example one species that is restricted in Florida is Boney Tongued Fish. That is a species of Fish not a single type of fish. One type of BTF are the Arowanas. The only Arowana you are allowed to have in Florida Without a Permit is the silver Arowana. You can go to any LFS in florida and buy them without a permit. Now in order to have a Black Arowana in Florida yes you need to have a permit to posess a restricted species. If you posess that permit you can have and sell them in Florida only to people who posess the same permit. I can not sell a BA to anyone off the street in Florida. So no you do not need a permit to sell or own a fish in the restricted species list. You have to contact your state government to find out what fish you can have without a permit. If a species is on the banned list you can not have any fish that falls in that species. You will not get a permit to posess a banned species. His question was not asking about permits, it was why are LFS selling restricted species in CA. 99% of LFS will not carry a restricted species permit because they are to cheap to pay, not to mention they are monitored by th FWC. A LFS main job is to get fish in get them out. You limit your customers when you sell restricted fish.

[Oddball]

I'm not addressing the CA issue. I'm addressing the verbage you're using in your explanation. Sorry but you're confusing Order with Species.

Class: Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)
Order: Osteoglossiformes (bony tongues)
Family: Osteoglossidae (Arowanas)
Genus: Osteoglossum
Species: bicirrhosum

In Florida, the Order Osteoglossiformes is on the Restricted list. That means that all Genus' and Species within the order are restricted and require a permit to possess in that state. That includes:

Arapaima gigas
Osteoglossum bicirrhosum and ferrarri
Scleropages formosus (and all recent variants), jardini, and leichardti
Heterotis niloticus

[snjets]

anone know what fish are restricted in NY

thanks
sal

[Oddball]

anone know what fish are restricted in NY

thanks
sal

Look the the restricted species sticky thread. I placed NY in there.

[patricio]

so is that why it says cichlids are illeagle in california?

[patricio]

one of the employes at my lfs said he would order pirahnas for me if i wanted. there illeagle arnt they

[Oddball]

so is that why it says cichlids are illeagle in california?

is what "why"? Whoever said cichlids were illegal in CA?

(O) Family Cichlidae - Cichlids

1. Tilapia sparrmani (Banded Tilapia) (D).

2. Tilapia zilli (Redbelly tilapia) (D), except permits may be issued to a person or agency for importation, transportation, or possession in the counties of San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Diego, and Imperial.

3. Tilapia aurea (Blue tilapia) (D).

4. Tilapia nilotica (Nile tilapia) (D).

Under Section O is the FAMILY Cichlidae. Look below the Section to see the Genus/species that are restricted. In this case, the only cichlids restricted in CA are 4 species within the genus Tilapia.

[Oddball]

one of the employes at my lfs said he would order pirahnas for me if i wanted. there illeagle arnt they

Ps are illegal in CA. And, I'm sure that lfs is going to be pleased to hear you posted their illegal activity in a public forum.

[Tongue33]

So where do we find the Aquatic Invasive Species list?

[Oddball]

Which one and why ask me? They didn't invent Google just for my use.

[Tongue33]

Utah.. And cause I just hunted around google and could come up with an actual list ... longer than one fish ... LOL Channel cat in which our lakes are FULL of :)

[snjets]

the list doesnt say that red or black bellied pirhanas are illegal in New york does it
i didnt see it

thanks
sal

[Bsixxx]

i didnt see any
Hydrolycus species on the hawaii list [does this mean there legal?]
or the Hydrocynus species and hoplias

does this mean they are all legal in hawaii?
wolfish,ATF,payara?

[Bsixxx]

anyone
VVVV

[Oddball]

i didnt see any
Hydrolycus species on the hawaii list [does this mean there legal?]
or the Hydrocynus species and hoplias

does this mean they are all legal in hawaii?
wolfish,ATF,payara?

Look at the list again. Hoplias and Hydrolycus are on the prohibited list. Hydrocynus isn't on the approved species list.

[Oddball]

the list doesnt say that red or black bellied pirhanas are illegal in New york does it
i didnt see it

thanks
sal

NY is considering adding all Ps (and other species) to the banned list as early as 2008.

[Fish Room Plus]

NY is considering adding all Ps (and other species) to the banned list as early as 2008.

I always thought that in NY, you have to have a permit for P's?

[Bsixxx]

Look at the list again. Hoplias and Hydrolycus are on the prohibited list. Hydrocynus isn't on the approved species list.

damnit:cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

[Bsixxx]

whoa
is this true?
FAMILY Channidae
Ophiocephalus (Channa) striatus pongee (snakehead)

i can get a snakehead in hawaii?
:nilly:

[Oddball]

no. Federal law prohibits the trafficing of all species of SH across state lines. HI has aligned to the updated laws.

[Bsixxx]

no. Federal law prohibits the trafficing of all species of SH across state lines. HI has aligned to the updated laws.

damn another no
:(
well i think it would be easier to just give me a list of whats not illegal or prohibited, can you do that for me
:D

[fISHyPriorities]

yes i had thought snakeheads were banned everywhere in the us

[cjtabares]

I was just wondering if anyone had or knew some where I could find a list for Rhode Island. Thanks

[pounder]

whoa
is this true?
FAMILY Channidae
Ophiocephalus (Channa) striatus pongee (snakehead)

i can get a snakehead in hawaii?
:nilly:

why are you moving here? chinatown!

[ghostknifefish0909]

:naughty:i wanna move back to new jersey

[milkman407]

:naughty:i wanna move back to new jersey

yea, i wana move back to boston, or atleast maryland. i'm sick of what i cant own here..

great job on this thread :thumbsup:

[rob0521]

yea, i wana move back to boston, or atleast maryland. i'm sick of what i cant own here..

great job on this thread :thumbsup:

I agree, even though Floridas laws suck, at least theres plenty of cichlids and other aquarium fish you can catch.

[Crustman]

Are Payara legal in Alabama? It says nothing about these. Piranhas are illegal. Are these fish in the same category.

Thanks

[pwmin]

more CO info: http://wildlife.state.co.us/NR/rdonlyres/4D6FFAC6-64EB-4516-A5E9-AE91B7392A95/0/Ch00.pdf

aquatic species excerpt:
#012 – POSSESSION OF AQUATIC WILDLIFE
A. Except as provided in these regulations or authorized by the Division of Wildlife or under Title
33 or Title 35 C.R.S., it shall be unlawful for any person to possess any live native or
nonnative aquatic wildlife in Colorado.
21
B. No person shall, at any time, have in possession or under their control any wildlife caught,
taken or killed outside of this state which were caught, taken or killed at a time, in a manner,
for a purpose, or in any other respect which is prohibited by the laws of the state, territory or
country in which the same were caught, taken or killed; or which were shipped out of said
state, territory or country in violation of the laws thereof.
C. Except as provided herein, the possession of the following species, their hybrids or viable
gametes is prohibited:
1. Bowfins: Amiidae.
2. Carp of the following genera: Aristichthys (including but not limited to bighead carp,
Aristichthys nobilis); Catla (including but not limited to catla, Catla catla); Catlocarpio
(including but not limited to giant barb, Catlocarpio siamensis); Carrassius; Cirrhinus
(including but not limited to mrigal, Cirrhinus cirrhosis); Cyprinus; Hypophthalmichthys
(including but not limited to silver carp, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, and largescale silver
carp, Hypophthalmichthys harmandi); Labeo (including but not limited to rohu, Labeo
rohita; Mylopharyngodon (including but not limited to black carp, Mylopharyngodon
piceus); and Tor (including but not limited to mahseers). However, grass carp,
Ctenopharyngodon idella, and common carp, including koi, Cyprinus carpio carpio, and
goldfish, Carrassius auratus, may be possessed as otherwise provided for in these
regulations.
3. Catfish, Walking: Clarias batrachus.
4. Crayfish, Rusty: Orconectes rusticus.
5. Eel, Asian Swamp: Monopterus albus.
6. Frog, Green: Rana clamitans .
7. Gars: Lepisosteidae - All species.
8. Gobies: Gobiidae.
9. Mussel, Quagga: Dreissena bugensis.
10. Mussel, Zebra: Dreissena polymorpha.
11. New Zealand mudsnail: Potamopyrgus antipodarum.
12. Perch, White: Morone americana.
13. Piranha: Including members of the genera Serrasalmus and Pygocentrus.
14. Rudd: Scardinius erythrophthalmus.
15. Ruffe, Eurasian: Gymnocephalus cernuus.
16. Snakeheads or murrels: Members of the genera Channa, Parachanna and Ophicephalus
17. Sticklebacks: Members of the genera Apeltes, Aulorhynchus, Gasterosteus and
Pungitius.
18. Tilapia: All species.
However, blue tilapia (Oreochromis aurea), Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis
mossambica), Nile tilapia (Tilapia nilotica), and their hybrids may be imported and
possessed for fish culture and educational purposes, provided the fish and their progeny
are held in facilities screened or otherwise designed to prevent their escape and are not
otherwise released into waters of the state. Screen mesh size shall be no larger than 1/4"
diameter. For the purposes of this regulation, “fish culture” means the raising of fish for
sale as food or for export, by a licensed aquaculturist, and “educational purposes” means
the raising of fish by educational facilities or for public display in public aquaria, zoos, or
other similar facilities.
19. Trahira:Hoplias malabaricus.
20. Water Fleas, Fish Hook and Spiny: Cercopagis pengoi, Bythotrephes lomgimanus, and
Daphnia lumholtzii.
Possession of the above species may be authorized as provided by Chapter 13 of these
regulations (“Possession of Wildlife, Scientific Collecting and Special Licenses”) or Title 35,
Article 80, C.R.S. (“Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act”), or as pets in private aquaria.
However, release of any of the above species into waters of the state is prohibited.
22
D. No person shall import, transport, possess, or release any aquatic nuisance species (ANS)
except as authorized by the Division of Wildlife or permit issued under Title 35 C.R.S.
E. Any species on the prohibited list in #012(C) that escapes the owner’s or guardian’s control
will be deemed to be detrimental to native wildlife and can be removed from the wild by the
Division of Wildlife as per these Regulations.
#013 - RELEASE OF AQUATIC WILDLIFE
A. Except as provided herein, it shall be unlawful for any person to release any native or
nonnative aquatic wildlife in Colorado.
B. Except as otherwise restricted by these regulations, and provided a person possesses the
appropriate stocking permit, letter of authorization or commercial or private lake license, the
following species are authorized for release in the drainages indicated:
1. All drainages statewide – rainbow (Oncorhynchus mykiss), brook (Salvelinus fontinalis),
brown (Salmo trutta), and cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki), and their hybrids, crappie
(Pomoxis nigromaculatus) and (Pomoxis annularis), fathead minnow (Pimephales
promelas), bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus),
largemouth (Micropterus salmoides)and smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomeiui), green
sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus) and grass carp (Ctenopharingodon idella).
2. All drainages statewide, except for salmonid habitat – walleye (Sander vitreum), gizzard
shad (Dorosoma cepedianum), yellow perch (Perca flavescens), and wipers (Morone
chrysops X Morone saxatilus).
C. Owners or lessees of property may release or otherwise provide for or allow the release of
any of the above species of fish into waters of the state (flowing or standing) located on
property they own or lease provided they have obtained a stocking permit, or a commercial or
private lake license from the Division, or if such activities are performed by a Colorado
permitted aquaculture facility or licensed aquatic wildlife importer, unless the person is exempt
under Chapter 12, to release such fish. Stocking permits and lake licenses will be approved
or denied based on compliance with all other applicable regulations and a determination by
the Division that such stocking will not otherwise negatively impact management of the state’s
wildlife resources in the water under consideration.
D. Licensed aquaculturists may release any of the above species of fish into waters of the state
(flowing or standing), upon receipt of an annual letter of authorization from the Division to be
sent upon issuance or renewal of the aquaculture license, provided that such release is in
accordance with the provisions of regulations #011, #012 , #013 and #014, and provided that
aquaculturists submit an annual report on a form provided by the Division, containing
information regarding the facility of origin, date, species, size, number and stocking location of
all fish released by the aquaculturist in the previous calendar year. Provided further, however,
that the stocking of non-salmonid species at elevations below 6500 feet in the Upper Colorado
River Basin, or northern pike, or tiger muskies, or prohibited species, anywhere in the state, or
salmonid species in the mainstem of the Colorado River below Windy Gap Reservoir
downstream to the confluence with the Williams Fork River, or any fish in native cutthroat
waters, is allowed only if the owner or lessee of the property first obtains a stocking permit, or
private or commercial lake license, for that purpose from the Division.
1. The waters identified in Appendix C, including the upstream tributaries and drainages, are
designated as stocking restricted cutthroat trout waters. Maps and a copy of Appendix C
will be provided to all salmonid fish production facilities and with each salmonid
importation permit issued by the Division.
23
E. Except as otherwise provided in these regulations for the Upper Colorado River Basin below
6500' elevation, diploid or triploid grass carp may be released into waters of the state in
accordance with the following restrictions:
1. All shipments of triploid grass carp must be accompanied by a copy of the original
certificate of triploidy issued by the U S Fish and Wildlife Service for that lot of fish.
a. Aquaculture facilities which do not hold diploid grass carp and which have been
designated by the Dept. of Agriculture on their aquaculture permits for grass carp as
"triploid grass carp only" facilities may hold triploid grass carp over from year to year
and release these fish in triploid waters. The triploidy certificate will be accepted for
the lot until all fish have been released.
b. The triploid certificate for triploid grass carp held in aquaculture facilities which hold
both diploid and triploid fish will be accepted until the end of the calendar year. If
stocked after that date, the fish must be stocked as diploid grass carp. Triploid grass
carp acquired after January 1 of each year must have a new triploidy certificate for
each lot of fish.
c. Diploid grass carp can only be held in facilities on the east slope. If triploid grass carp
are held in the same aquaculture facility prior to release, they must be held in
containers separate and distinct from those holding diploid grass carp. When diploid
and triploid grass carp are held in separate cages in the same raceway, any fish
which escapes from a cage will be considered a diploid.
d. Diploid grass carp may be transported through the west slope (west of the Continental
Divide and in the Rio Grande Basin) only when the destination is on the eastern slope
or in another state.
2. Diploid or triploid grass carp may be released into standing water or irrigation ditches east
of the Continental Divide, except in the Rio Grande Basin.
3. West of the Continental Divide and in the Rio Grande Basin:
a. Only certified triploid grass carp may be released into standing waters and must be at
least eight inches in length at the time they are released.
b. Such waters must be screened prior to stocking to prevent escape of fish. All screens
shall be maintained so as to prevent such escape, and at least one measurement of
the gap size shall not exceed one & one-quarter (1 1/4) inch. All such screens may be
inspected on an annual basis by the Division or its designated representative.
c. The stocking location of all grass carp released in the above waters must be reported
to the Division, on forms provided by the Division, within thirty (30) days of release.
d. Grass carp to be held in aquaculture facilities west of the Continental Divide and in
the Rio Grande Basin must be a minimum of 8" in length at the time they are placed in
the facility. Any undersized fish that are inadvertently present in a shipment must be
removed or handled in a manner to ensure that such fish cannot escape from the
facility.
F. Upper Colorado River Basin
1. Within the Upper Colorado River Basin, and except as provided herein, no person shall
release any species or subspecies of fish below 6500 feet in elevation which did not
originate naturally, either presently or historically, in Colorado.
24
a. Channel catfish and fathead minnow may be released into ponds, lakes and
reservoirs below 6500' in elevation, except in critical habitat, provided the receiving
water is isolated or its outlet(s) are screened prior to stocking to prevent escape of
fish or their progeny.
b. Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) may be released into ponds, lake and reservoirs
below 6500' in elevation but above the 50 year floodplain of those river reaches
defined as critical habitat, provided the receiving water is isolated, or its outlet(s) are
screened prior to stocking to prevent escape of fish or their progeny.
c. Certified triploid grass carp at least 8 inches in length, bluegill, black crappie, and
largemouth bass may be released into ponds, lake and reservoirs below 6500' in
elevation, including waters located within the 50 year floodplain of those river reaches
defined as critical habitat, provided the receiving water is isolated or its outlet (s) are
screened prior to stocking to prevent the escape of fish or their progeny. Provided
further, that all ponds, lakes or reservoirs within the 50 year floodplain must have an
existing, modified or constructed dike meeting standards sufficient to resist at least
the 50 year flood. Minimum dike standards include the following:
1. The dike must be designed and constructed in accordance with recognized and
accepted engineering practices;
2. The dike must be capable of withstanding the hydrodynamic and hydrostatic
forces, and the effects of buoyancy associated with a 50 year flood.
3. The dike must be five feet above the ordinary high water line (OHWL).
All dikes must be certified in writing as meeting these standards by a qualified
engineer, prior to stocking. The report shall be submitted to the Division of
Wildlife and shall include a consideration of depth and duration of flooding,
floodplain elevation, dike geometry, dike and foundation materials, dike
compaction, penetrations, and other factors affecting penetrations, localized river
channel constrictions and conditions, and any other factors that may affect the
ability of the dike to withstand flood events.
2. Salmonids may be released within the Upper Colorado River Basin except in those river
reaches defined as critical habitat.
3. Smallmouth bass, northern pike (Esox lucius), and tiger muskie (Esox lucius X Esox
masquinongy) may be released except in critical habitat, within the Upper Colorado River
Basin, and then only if:
a. The fish are acquired within the basin from an existing population below 6500' in
elevation; and
b. The receiving water already contains the species and is isolated or its outlets are
screened to prevent the escape of the fish or their progeny.
All such relocations of fish must be authorized in advance and in writing by the Division.
4. All ponds, lakes or reservoirs within the Upper Colorado River Basin which require, or rely
upon, dikes or screens to prevent the escape of stocked fish and their progeny will be
inspected on an annual basis by the Division or its designated representative. All dikes
and screens shall be maintained to prevent the escape of fish and their progeny.
Whenever screens are required, at least one measurement of the gap size shall not
exceed one-quarter (1/4) inch.
25
G. Release of aquatic wildlife must comply with all applicable regulations including but not limited
to the restrictions in #011, #012, and #014 of these regulations.

[pwmin]

more CO info: http://wildlife.state.co.us/NR/rdonlyres/4D6FFAC6-64EB-4516-A5E9-AE91B7392A95/0/Ch00.pdf

aquatic species excerpt:
#012 – POSSESSION OF AQUATIC WILDLIFE
A. Except as provided in these regulations or authorized by the Division of Wildlife or under Title
33 or Title 35 C.R.S., it shall be unlawful for any person to possess any live native or
nonnative aquatic wildlife in Colorado.
21
B. No person shall, at any time, have in possession or under their control any wildlife caught,
taken or killed outside of this state which were caught, taken or killed at a time, in a manner,
for a purpose, or in any other respect which is prohibited by the laws of the state, territory or
country in which the same were caught, taken or killed; or which were shipped out of said
state, territory or country in violation of the laws thereof.
C. Except as provided herein, the possession of the following species, their hybrids or viable
gametes is prohibited:
1. Bowfins: Amiidae.
2. Carp of the following genera: Aristichthys (including but not limited to bighead carp,
Aristichthys nobilis); Catla (including but not limited to catla, Catla catla); Catlocarpio
(including but not limited to giant barb, Catlocarpio siamensis); Carrassius; Cirrhinus
(including but not limited to mrigal, Cirrhinus cirrhosis); Cyprinus; Hypophthalmichthys
(including but not limited to silver carp, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, and largescale silver
carp, Hypophthalmichthys harmandi); Labeo (including but not limited to rohu, Labeo
rohita; Mylopharyngodon (including but not limited to black carp, Mylopharyngodon
piceus); and Tor (including but not limited to mahseers). However, grass carp,
Ctenopharyngodon idella, and common carp, including koi, Cyprinus carpio carpio, and
goldfish, Carrassius auratus, may be possessed as otherwise provided for in these
regulations.
3. Catfish, Walking: Clarias batrachus.
4. Crayfish, Rusty: Orconectes rusticus.
5. Eel, Asian Swamp: Monopterus albus.
6. Frog, Green: Rana clamitans .
7. Gars: Lepisosteidae - All species.
8. Gobies: Gobiidae.
9. Mussel, Quagga: Dreissena bugensis.
10. Mussel, Zebra: Dreissena polymorpha.
11. New Zealand mudsnail: Potamopyrgus antipodarum.
12. Perch, White: Morone americana.
13. Piranha: Including members of the genera Serrasalmus and Pygocentrus.
14. Rudd: Scardinius erythrophthalmus.
15. Ruffe, Eurasian: Gymnocephalus cernuus.
16. Snakeheads or murrels: Members of the genera Channa, Parachanna and Ophicephalus
17. Sticklebacks: Members of the genera Apeltes, Aulorhynchus, Gasterosteus and
Pungitius.
18. Tilapia: All species.
However, blue tilapia (Oreochromis aurea), Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis
mossambica), Nile tilapia (Tilapia nilotica), and their hybrids may be imported and
possessed for fish culture and educational purposes, provided the fish and their progeny
are held in facilities screened or otherwise designed to prevent their escape and are not
otherwise released into waters of the state. Screen mesh size shall be no larger than 1/4"
diameter. For the purposes of this regulation, “fish culture” means the raising of fish for
sale as food or for export, by a licensed aquaculturist, and “educational purposes” means
the raising of fish by educational facilities or for public display in public aquaria, zoos, or
other similar facilities.
19. Trahira:Hoplias malabaricus.
20. Water Fleas, Fish Hook and Spiny: Cercopagis pengoi, Bythotrephes lomgimanus, and
Daphnia lumholtzii.
Possession of the above species may be authorized as provided by Chapter 13 of these
regulations (“Possession of Wildlife, Scientific Collecting and Special Licenses”) or Title 35,
Article 80, C.R.S. (“Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act”), or as pets in private aquaria.
However, release of any of the above species into waters of the state is prohibited.
22
D. No person shall import, transport, possess, or release any aquatic nuisance species (ANS)
except as authorized by the Division of Wildlife or permit issued under Title 35 C.R.S.
E. Any species on the prohibited list in #012(C) that escapes the owner’s or guardian’s control
will be deemed to be detrimental to native wildlife and can be removed from the wild by the
Division of Wildlife as per these Regulations.
#013 - RELEASE OF AQUATIC WILDLIFE
A. Except as provided herein, it shall be unlawful for any person to release any native or
nonnative aquatic wildlife in Colorado.
B. Except as otherwise restricted by these regulations, and provided a person possesses the
appropriate stocking permit, letter of authorization or commercial or private lake license, the
following species are authorized for release in the drainages indicated:
1. All drainages statewide – rainbow (Oncorhynchus mykiss), brook (Salvelinus fontinalis),
brown (Salmo trutta), and cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki), and their hybrids, crappie
(Pomoxis nigromaculatus) and (Pomoxis annularis), fathead minnow (Pimephales
promelas), bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus),
largemouth (Micropterus salmoides)and smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomeiui), green
sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus) and grass carp (Ctenopharingodon idella).
2. All drainages statewide, except for salmonid habitat – walleye (Sander vitreum), gizzard
shad (Dorosoma cepedianum), yellow perch (Perca flavescens), and wipers (Morone
chrysops X Morone saxatilus).
C. Owners or lessees of property may release or otherwise provide for or allow the release of
any of the above species of fish into waters of the state (flowing or standing) located on
property they own or lease provided they have obtained a stocking permit, or a commercial or
private lake license from the Division, or if such activities are performed by a Colorado
permitted aquaculture facility or licensed aquatic wildlife importer, unless the person is exempt
under Chapter 12, to release such fish. Stocking permits and lake licenses will be approved
or denied based on compliance with all other applicable regulations and a determination by
the Division that such stocking will not otherwise negatively impact management of the state’s
wildlife resources in the water under consideration.
D. Licensed aquaculturists may release any of the above species of fish into waters of the state
(flowing or standing), upon receipt of an annual letter of authorization from the Division to be
sent upon issuance or renewal of the aquaculture license, provided that such release is in
accordance with the provisions of regulations #011, #012 , #013 and #014, and provided that
aquaculturists submit an annual report on a form provided by the Division, containing
information regarding the facility of origin, date, species, size, number and stocking location of
all fish released by the aquaculturist in the previous calendar year. Provided further, however,
that the stocking of non-salmonid species at elevations below 6500 feet in the Upper Colorado
River Basin, or northern pike, or tiger muskies, or prohibited species, anywhere in the state, or
salmonid species in the mainstem of the Colorado River below Windy Gap Reservoir
downstream to the confluence with the Williams Fork River, or any fish in native cutthroat
waters, is allowed only if the owner or lessee of the property first obtains a stocking permit, or
private or commercial lake license, for that purpose from the Division.
1. The waters identified in Appendix C, including the upstream tributaries and drainages, are
designated as stocking restricted cutthroat trout waters. Maps and a copy of Appendix C
will be provided to all salmonid fish production facilities and with each salmonid
importation permit issued by the Division.
23
E. Except as otherwise provided in these regulations for the Upper Colorado River Basin below
6500' elevation, diploid or triploid grass carp may be released into waters of the state in
accordance with the following restrictions:
1. All shipments of triploid grass carp must be accompanied by a copy of the original
certificate of triploidy issued by the U S Fish and Wildlife Service for that lot of fish.
a. Aquaculture facilities which do not hold diploid grass carp and which have been
designated by the Dept. of Agriculture on their aquaculture permits for grass carp as
"triploid grass carp only" facilities may hold triploid grass carp over from year to year
and release these fish in triploid waters. The triploidy certificate will be accepted for
the lot until all fish have been released.
b. The triploid certificate for triploid grass carp held in aquaculture facilities which hold
both diploid and triploid fish will be accepted until the end of the calendar year. If
stocked after that date, the fish must be stocked as diploid grass carp. Triploid grass
carp acquired after January 1 of each year must have a new triploidy certificate for
each lot of fish.
c. Diploid grass carp can only be held in facilities on the east slope. If triploid grass carp
are held in the same aquaculture facility prior to release, they must be held in
containers separate and distinct from those holding diploid grass carp. When diploid
and triploid grass carp are held in separate cages in the same raceway, any fish
which escapes from a cage will be considered a diploid.
d. Diploid grass carp may be transported through the west slope (west of the Continental
Divide and in the Rio Grande Basin) only when the destination is on the eastern slope
or in another state.
2. Diploid or triploid grass carp may be released into standing water or irrigation ditches east
of the Continental Divide, except in the Rio Grande Basin.
3. West of the Continental Divide and in the Rio Grande Basin:
a. Only certified triploid grass carp may be released into standing waters and must be at
least eight inches in length at the time they are released.
b. Such waters must be screened prior to stocking to prevent escape of fish. All screens
shall be maintained so as to prevent such escape, and at least one measurement of
the gap size shall not exceed one & one-quarter (1 1/4) inch. All such screens may be
inspected on an annual basis by the Division or its designated representative.
c. The stocking location of all grass carp released in the above waters must be reported
to the Division, on forms provided by the Division, within thirty (30) days of release.
d. Grass carp to be held in aquaculture facilities west of the Continental Divide and in
the Rio Grande Basin must be a minimum of 8" in length at the time they are placed in
the facility. Any undersized fish that are inadvertently present in a shipment must be
removed or handled in a manner to ensure that such fish cannot escape from the
facility.
F. Upper Colorado River Basin
1. Within the Upper Colorado River Basin, and except as provided herein, no person shall
release any species or subspecies of fish below 6500 feet in elevation which did not
originate naturally, either presently or historically, in Colorado.
24
a. Channel catfish and fathead minnow may be released into ponds, lakes and
reservoirs below 6500' in elevation, except in critical habitat, provided the receiving
water is isolated or its outlet(s) are screened prior to stocking to prevent escape of
fish or their progeny.
b. Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) may be released into ponds, lake and reservoirs
below 6500' in elevation but above the 50 year floodplain of those river reaches
defined as critical habitat, provided the receiving water is isolated, or its outlet(s) are
screened prior to stocking to prevent escape of fish or their progeny.
c. Certified triploid grass carp at least 8 inches in length, bluegill, black crappie, and
largemouth bass may be released into ponds, lake and reservoirs below 6500' in
elevation, including waters located within the 50 year floodplain of those river reaches
defined as critical habitat, provided the receiving water is isolated or its outlet (s) are
screened prior to stocking to prevent the escape of fish or their progeny. Provided
further, that all ponds, lakes or reservoirs within the 50 year floodplain must have an
existing, modified or constructed dike meeting standards sufficient to resist at least
the 50 year flood. Minimum dike standards include the following:
1. The dike must be designed and constructed in accordance with recognized and
accepted engineering practices;
2. The dike must be capable of withstanding the hydrodynamic and hydrostatic
forces, and the effects of buoyancy associated with a 50 year flood.
3. The dike must be five feet above the ordinary high water line (OHWL).
All dikes must be certified in writing as meeting these standards by a qualified
engineer, prior to stocking. The report shall be submitted to the Division of
Wildlife and shall include a consideration of depth and duration of flooding,
floodplain elevation, dike geometry, dike and foundation materials, dike
compaction, penetrations, and other factors affecting penetrations, localized river
channel constrictions and conditions, and any other factors that may affect the
ability of the dike to withstand flood events.
2. Salmonids may be released within the Upper Colorado River Basin except in those river
reaches defined as critical habitat.
3. Smallmouth bass, northern pike (Esox lucius), and tiger muskie (Esox lucius X Esox
masquinongy) may be released except in critical habitat, within the Upper Colorado River
Basin, and then only if:
a. The fish are acquired within the basin from an existing population below 6500' in
elevation; and
b. The receiving water already contains the species and is isolated or its outlets are
screened to prevent the escape of the fish or their progeny.
All such relocations of fish must be authorized in advance and in writing by the Division.
4. All ponds, lakes or reservoirs within the Upper Colorado River Basin which require, or rely
upon, dikes or screens to prevent the escape of stocked fish and their progeny will be
inspected on an annual basis by the Division or its designated representative. All dikes
and screens shall be maintained to prevent the escape of fish and their progeny.
Whenever screens are required, at least one measurement of the gap size shall not
exceed one-quarter (1/4) inch.
25
G. Release of aquatic wildlife must comply with all applicable regulations including but not limited
to the restrictions in #011, #012, and #014 of these regulations.


Thanks a ton. Your info has been added to the lists. ---Oddball

[pwmin]

chapter 13: http://wildlife.state.co.us/NR/rdonlyres/0F2A376C-3500-4F71-86DC-0B07FDAC52BC/0/ch13_double_edits.pdf

[dreamandscheme]

according to the list for california everything is restricted all cichlids and minnows are on the list. if anyone followed this list goldfish would be the only legal fish in california

[Druu]

I find your list to be inadequate. Your New York list lacks piranhas, which are definitely illegal. The NY dec link is also non-functional.

[KuricX]

thx for the info :)

[crashinc25]

I was amazed to find Dats on the list for Maine. The only State that doesn't allow them. Any specific reason?

[horridumangeli]

The CADFG law can be a little tricky for instance it says < I believe it is letter (D)family Characidae Characins
1 Piranhas all species
2*****
3.Hoplias malabaricus
Now when I first read it I thought Oh no all Characins but that would include neon tetras and a whole bunch of other common aquarium fish. The law reads very specificly. Like my Hoplias aimara is completely legal a common wolf H.malabaricus is not. There is a link earlier in this thread on pg.8 of the CADFG law you can see what I mean.
Take it easy,
HorridumA

[Amazon_Addict]

I was told by a local that piranha are restricted in my home state of Wisconsin, but my favorite fish store that I usually go to still sells them, but only as trade ins. Is it possible that they can't import them but they can still sell ones that people don't want to take care of anymore. If that's true I was going to buy them before there impossible to find.

[fnlucky17]

fresh water stingrays are restricted for sale in the state of oklahoma

[Oddball]

I find your list to be inadequate. Your New York list lacks piranhas, which are definitely illegal. The NY dec link is also non-functional.


The link works. As to the list being inadequate, why don't you help your fellow members and find the list? That would be more constructive than merely posting criticisms and complaints.
BTW, Ps aren't illegal. They can be kept with a permit.

[Oddball]

fresh water stingrays are restricted for sale in the state of oklahoma


um, ...yeah. That fact is already on the list. Have you looked at it yet?

[mdb_talon]

Confused on Missouri's list. It looks pretty much the same as the APPROVED list on this website. http://mdc4.mdc.mo.gov/Documents/16342.pdf

If I am reading what you put though correctly this post would say goldfish are prohibited.

Maybe I am reading your list wrong?