In the U.S ??

[Adam-011]

I sall this on the VA fish and game website.

Yes, it is illegal to own one without a permit. In 2002, the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries added the snakehead fish to the list of predatory and undesirable exotic species, making it illegal to possess a snakehead fish in Virginia without a permit issued by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. Federal regulations enacted in October 2002 prohibit the importation of snakehead fish into the United States and prohibit interstate transport of these animals. Individuals who still own a live snakehead need to contact the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries immediately for proper disposal of the fish. Effective July 1, 2005, anglers who legally catch a snakehead on hook-and-line may keep the fish to mount or eat providing they:

I underlined what made me think u could do it but, i under lined and hitaliciced* what made me feel weird. do u think it is still possible to get 1 and keep it here?

 

[---XR---]

I sall this on the VA fish and game website.

Yes, it is illegal to own one without a permit. In 2002, the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries added the snakehead fish to the list of predatory and undesirable exotic species, making it illegal to possess a snakehead fish in Virginia without a permit issued by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. Federal regulations enacted in October 2002 prohibit the importation of snakehead fish into the United States and prohibit interstate transport of these animals. Individuals who still own a live snakehead need to contact the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries immediately for proper disposal of the fish. Effective July 1, 2005, anglers who legally catch a snakehead on hook-and-line may keep the fish to mount or eat providing they:

I underlined what made me think u could do it but, i under lined and hitaliciced* what made me feel weird. do u think it is still possible to get 1 and keep it here?

i am aware of no such permits being availble to U.S citzens, mabey for an educational institution such as with asian aro's. but the laws have clearly stated in the past- All Sh's are illegal in every state except MD- where all but- Maculata and Argus are legal, but being that SH's do not naturally occour in this state, nor are allowed to be transported in or to the state- all are still illegal.

 

[Adam-011]

Thats what I thought but I was kinda curious.

 

[tropheus]

its the same here with northern snakehead , here is the reply i got when i asked the gov for a permit to keep:

Thank you for your enquiry, it has been passed to the Fish Health Inspectorate, who administer the non-native fish keeping controls on behalf of Defra.

Channa argus (Northern or Chinese Snakehead) are listed in the schedule of the Prohibition of Keeping or Release of Live Fish (Specified Species) Order 1998 as amended. This means that anyone in England or Wales who wishes to keep this species must hold an individual licence to introduce and subsequently keep them, before the introduction takes place. This includes hobbyists who plan to keep them in home aquaria.

Defra policy is currently against encouraging the introduction of this species, and it is therefore likely that a licence would be refused. However if you wish to proceed, and formally be advised of an application outcome, you should submit an ILFA1 application to this office (see our web site). You will need to name a legal source for the fish and it is likley an inspector will need to inspect your proposed holding facilities.

I am sorry this may be disappointing to you, but hope there may be an alternative species suitable for your purposes.