Hi what are the rules for collecting fish in Mexico or other Latin American countries and bringing them back with you on the plane? Are there special permits? I’m having a hell of a time trying to find the answer on google.
Fish Collecting In Mexico?
- Thread starter spitz006
- Start date
Wow, you told me so much about your trip to Italy that I also wanted to visit the places you were in.
So go to the official websites of Mexico, and I think you can find out how Fish Collecting works with them. I've just been to Mexico only once, and that's because I was able to get a free tour on this site -- https://www.freetour.com/mexico-city around Mexico City, so I can't help you because I'm not particularly interested in the laws of Mexico. Still, I think people from this forum will help you because I'm sure there are also Mexicans here who know English. But I haven't seen a similar question you're asking on this forum, haha.
I live in Panama, and am aware the country is getting more and more anal about removing its resources (natural life to other countries).
They and some other neighboring countries allow a small number of a species to be taken, without permits, but I don't know the specifics because I don't try to take fish out, I live here.
Th biggest problem I see is getting the fish to live thru the journey.
I have a kit I use just to get them home, and into my tank. the same day they are caught.
Tropical heat is one of the major issues.
A local friend said he was going to the interior to visit family, and offered to collect some from a river next to where he grew up.
I loaned him my battery/car jack operated pump, none of the fish he got survived the in country travel.
He was not an experienced fish keeper, so I was disappointed but not surprised.
And the language barrier didn't help.
When I collect here in Panama, I use a driver I know and trust, and some days are a bust.
Attempted collecting foray to Lago Miraflores
A member here, "newworld" may be able to help with info, he has collected extensively in Mexico and elsewhere
They and some other neighboring countries allow a small number of a species to be taken, without permits, but I don't know the specifics because I don't try to take fish out, I live here.
Th biggest problem I see is getting the fish to live thru the journey.
I have a kit I use just to get them home, and into my tank. the same day they are caught.
Tropical heat is one of the major issues.
A local friend said he was going to the interior to visit family, and offered to collect some from a river next to where he grew up.
I loaned him my battery/car jack operated pump, none of the fish he got survived the in country travel.
He was not an experienced fish keeper, so I was disappointed but not surprised.
And the language barrier didn't help.
When I collect here in Panama, I use a driver I know and trust, and some days are a bust.
Attempted collecting foray to Lago Miraflores
A member here, "newworld" may be able to help with info, he has collected extensively in Mexico and elsewhere
Last edited:
Some tips for bringing home wild caught fish in tropical climates, assuming pure oxygen is unavailable:
* Low stocking rates are essential.
* Smaller fish use less oxygen than larger.
* A water pump and spray mist nozzle (irrigation) oxygenates better than an air pump - air stone.
* Anything to reduce water temperature during transport will help - insulation, ice, water changes, shade, more water volume, transport at night, air conditioning etc.
* Several containers are better than one large container to improve chances of success.
* If you have long transport times, consider using hydrogen peroxide and bag the fish, not buckets. Similarly you can use oxygen tablets (and bags) although tablet dosage is more difficult in smaller water volumes.
* Low stocking rates are essential.
* Smaller fish use less oxygen than larger.
* A water pump and spray mist nozzle (irrigation) oxygenates better than an air pump - air stone.
* Anything to reduce water temperature during transport will help - insulation, ice, water changes, shade, more water volume, transport at night, air conditioning etc.
* Several containers are better than one large container to improve chances of success.
* If you have long transport times, consider using hydrogen peroxide and bag the fish, not buckets. Similarly you can use oxygen tablets (and bags) although tablet dosage is more difficult in smaller water volumes.