Asian Arowanas in the USA

[filiportela]

Hey guys-

Arowana newbie here. I have a question about Asian Arowanas in the USA.

I was recently offered the opportunity to purchase two super red Asian Arowanas (both are 10") here in Southern California from private owner for about $3000 a piece.

I am told that both fish have "papers", and that they were originally purchased from another private individual.

My questions is twofold:

(1) What is the rough market price for a super red asian arowana of this size in the North American market? Do you think 3 grand is a good price?

(2) Would I be violating some law / opening myself up to criminal liability if I purchased these fish which are already in the United States?

Cheers,
-Leandro

1st, i guess it is a fair price because it is really hard to get them there since it's ilegal..
2nd, of course you whould, but i guess it is really hard for the police to go to your house because of some fish...


my advice is, if you can afford them, get them!

there is nothing quite like an aro

 

[Gr8KarmaSF]

Welcome to MFK!!!

Sounded like a good deal before you asked about it on a public forum. F&W does monitor these boards and people have been busted (vendors) for trade in these illegal species.

Check out the FAQ forum for restricted species lists by states.

BTW, doesn't matter whether asian aros have papers or chip registrations. The species is flat-out illegal in the US unless you have proof of a specimen that's over 30 years old (pre-CITES).

To add onto what everybody else said...

Certs and papers dont mean anything, they are often forged and fake.

You cant really price the aro as good or bad for $3000 WITHOUT a picture. Since you are new to aro's for all we know its a low grade banjar, which in effect would be a complete rip off, red aros are also known to be sometimes hormonaly/chemically altered (which eventually fades away), now if its a true chili or blood then thats another story....

 

[ewurm]

Don't mess with it.

 

[T1KARMANN]

even if asian aros were leagle in the US then you will still have to pay $2,000+ for a super red at 6inch

so $3,000 is ok for a 10inch

this is what makes me lol everyone in the US says i wish asian aros were leagle in the US if you chould get them how many people will pay $2,000 for a fish

 

[Gr8KarmaSF]

if you chould get them how many people will pay $2,000 for a fish

 

[Jesse]

The species is flat-out illegal in the US unless you have proof of a specimen that's over 30 years old (pre-CITES)

I'm certain you meant "pre-ESA" not "pre-CITES." It's the 1976 Endangered Species Act listing of the Asian arowana that's the impenetrable legal barrier. A CITES certificate addresses any CITES concerns.

Phil, we all know you are omniscient and deliberately posted this so I could feel better about myself by catching it. Thanks!

 

[wizzin]

just to clarify, if caught, you face:

(1) Any person who knowingly violates any provision of this Act, of any permit or certificate issued hereunder, or of any regulation issued in order to implement subsection (a)(1)(A), (B), (C), (D), (E), or (F); (a)(2)(A), (B), (C), or (D), (c), (d) (other than a regulation relating to recordkeeping, or filing of reports), (f), or (g) of section 9 of this Act shall, upon conviction, be fined not more than $50,000 or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both. Any person who knowingly violates any provision of any other regulation issued under this Act shall, upon conviction, be fined not more than $25,000 or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both.

 

[HiGhTiMeZ]

just buy it and if caught tell them WTF? THIS FISH IS ILLEGAL??

 

[HiGhTiMeZ]

Hey guys-

Thanks for the update on the legality of it all. I wasn't sure if it was illegal to buy/own the fish, or just illegal to import them.

As cool as they are, I'm not really willing to go to jail for the sake of my aquarium!

Interesting to know the 3 grand was a good deal though ... sounded pricey to me.

Thanks so much,
-Grady

hahaha dont listen to the person above me! He is stupid.
Great Decision u made.

 

[T1KARMANN]

Just tell the police WHAT its an asian aro you thought it was a bit expencive for a jardini