Why are Asian Arowanas Illegal in the US?

[sQwiReL]

Well the microchips and certificates help ensure that they are captive bred.

too easy for people with experience to chip an aro and make a cert. theres plenty of these situations already happening with fake cert. on non chipped aros

 

[bigspizz]

and the Service has not determined that trade in captive-bred arowana will contribute to the conservation of the species in the wild. As a result, U.S. consumers cannot import Asian arowana and, therefore, cannot participate in some activities allowed under the Convention—activities in which citizens of other countries may participate."

They just do not realize, we as fishkeepers in the US are in fact ready to go to bat, and "help" with the solution and NOT add to the problem....One day they will see the light. Do not be surprised if Ray breeders catch the needed attention that we need to get them back... There is always hope...

 

[skeevegas]

yes sir

 

[blazin_dragon18]

ok, so if they do release the ban on asian aros...how many of mfkers can just go buy one? their price isn't gonna cheap like a lei or a black. personally, even if they're legal, i don't think i can afford a fish that'll cost $600. there was a thread estimating the cost of asians if they do become legal, and i remember that a green would cost about $500 or so. and i'm sure most of us don't just want a green, i know rtg/x-back are the kinds i want, but w/their price tag, there's no way i can afford it. for that matter of fact, i don't think i can afford anywhere in world =P

 

[dzb912]

In case someone releases a pair in the wild and they start multiplying and threatening the eco system... just like certain snakeheads

i wish someone actually did that
im tired of catching bluegill over and over
that would be amazing if someone did that here in chicago
but it gets too cold =(

 

[Mystix212]

If I could get an asian arowanan for at least $600, I would jump at the chance. A silver alone costs $595.

 

[blazin_dragon18]

but it's $600 for a tiny green though...vs $600 for a huge silver. if golden or red are the ones u want, they'll go well over $1000 for a little one

 

[playa7]

If I could get an asian arowanan for at least $600, I would jump at the chance. A silver alone costs $595.

$595 for a silver aro? .... those are like $15-20 here in Hawaii for a 3 to 5 incher.

yeah, i couldnt ever see myself spending more then $1000 for a fish, even if its a super red... i'd probably get a few cheap greeen aros instead and make a huge asian com tank

 

[ShadowBass]

polypterus.. i never said that i would throw a 2 thousand fish in a pond or anything
so whats the deal with u jumping to conclusions....
thats it
im done arguing =)

Maybe it's different when you actually know people that work for places like the department of conservation....

Some of them see/hear comments like that and they don't think "Oh, haha, funny joke", they can see it as a valid reason why possession of certain exotic species should remain or become illegal. If certain hobbyists encourage the release of exotic species why should they have access to them? People only make their job harder by releasing certain fish into the wild.

So while perhaps Polypterus could have been a bit more tactful , he's still right. People that have views such as yours are part of the reason why certain species will remain unavailable to the public. While you may not actually engage in those sort of activities, just saying that you actually hope someone would release a non-native species into the wild looks bad for all of us.

 

[dzb912]

even if someone did that
just speeking in general
why would it be that bad?
its not going to wipe out anything
even if the water conditions are perfect
at the most just eat a few fish