[Stab]

First, I appologise if this subject has been discussed before and everyone is bored to tears with me bringing it up again.

Second, I understand and respect the reason behind the ban -- although there are plenty Asian aros being bred in the East, legalizing trade would tempt people to go after the wild (and endagered) population as well.

What I don't understand is this: The ban covers import of arowanas into the US, unless authorized by CITES (or something similar). However, it is not illigal to buy and sell aros already in the country. Now this is a fish that is not easy to breed, but its possible -- after all, it's a common practice in Asia. So how come we can't walk into a LFS and buy a USA bred baby asian aro, even if it carries a hefty price tag? I'm not talking about buying it for 10,000! Thats just rediculous! But for a $100-200, I'm sure almost anyone could afford. Are there simply no chances of breeding this fish in America? If so, then why?

[Rich]

First, I appologise if this subject has been discussed before and everyone is bored to tears with me bringing it up again.

Second, I understand and respect the reason behind the ban -- although there are plenty Asian aros being bred in the East, legalizing trade would tempt people to go after the wild (and endagered) population as well.

What I don't understand is this: The ban covers import of arowanas into the US, unless authorized by CITES (or something similar). However, it is not illigal to buy and sell aros already in the country. Now this is a fish that is not easy to breed, but its possible -- after all, it's a common practice in Asia. So how come we can't walk into a LFS and buy a USA bred baby asian aro, even if it carries a hefty price tag? I'm not talking about buying it for 10,000! Thats just rediculous! But for a $100-200, I'm sure almost anyone could afford. Are there simply no chances of breeding this fish in America? If so, then why?

You can only keep and sell captive bred aros in the US if the parents (or whatever your first generation is) were brought into the US pre-ban........like back in the 70's. You also need to have documentation proving the lineage back to that time. Just because you can sneak one into the US doesn't mean it's legal once it crosses the border.

Ps- There are people captive breeding aros in the US. It's just not a very talked about thing being that they are illegal.

[Stab]

No, Rich, I'm not talking about sneaking fish in ilegally! I was referring to the legal captive population ALREADY in the country. How come offspring of these fish (ancestors of which were pre-ban) are not offered for sell at LFSs?

[Ming]

simple, there's no such mass parent stock for the distribution.

[Stab]

simple, there's no such mass parent stock for the distribution.

Thats basically what I figured... Shame

[Rich]

Sadly there were no specimens in this country pre-ban or they've all died prior to being bred. It doesn't mean they don't exist for sale but it's all black market and you'd best know what might happen if you get caught. The consequences may include small to large fines (ranging into the tens of thousands of dollars), confisgation of your fish, jailtime (not likely but possible, more likely if you are selling them).

While I can't stop you from aquiring one I can make the recommendation that you don't. I don't think you need the potential legal woes that may come with the fish.

[Stab]

Personally, I wasn't even planning an arowana tank -- I won't have enough space to be able to properly house any species for at least another few years. Besides, I don't intend on breaking the law, and wouldn't want to add to deminishing wild population. I only asked out of sheer curiosity.

Thank you for warning me though

PS If I win tonight's raffle for a 180 gallon tank, I just might consider keeping a black aro in there