Snakehead rescue

[side19]

Ok, so I know snakeheads are illegal in CT but I just got offered one. I don't want to take it as I don't have the room for it, but if I can't find it a home it's getting flushed, and I'd hate to see a fish die just becuase it can't find a home. So here are my questions. Is there anywhere it is legal to keep snakeheads, and if so is there anyone on here who would be willing to take the little guy? I guess it's a few year old and has been kept in small tanks (10 gal or smaller) its entire life. It's only 6 inches and I'm assuming he's already been very badly stunted, so idk how much more he'll grow. Can anyone help me out? I don't want it to have to die and I at least want it to live out the rest of its life comfortably even if it is stunted. Again this isn't my fish, I was just offered it about 10 minutes ago by my girlfriend's aunt who got it from another person.

[xrayjeeper83]

ya he will be stunted as hell. They are illegal in all of the US. canada they are legal though

[Cuchulainn]

Yup Canada legal. What kind of channa is it, any idea?

[side19]

no clue. they aren't really fish people, and i haven't seen it in person. i was just told about it over the phone. i will be going to see it either today or tomorrow. i'm going to get a large tuppermaid tub for now to keep it in so it at least have a larger home until i can permanently rehome it.

[JRC3]

The truly responsible thing might be to turn the fish over to some type of organization, aquarium, fish and game... I don't know who. But if the fish gets into the wrong hands it might wind up being released into the wild. Even if a responsible fish keeper gets it right now, who knows where it will be years from now. My $0.02

[Cuchulainn]

If U could post a picture when U get it, that would be great! I would consider taking it, although am not too sure on what customs would think about it. They may be happy its leaving the country

[xrayjeeper83]

fish and game will kill it

[Cuchulainn]

If conservation in the states is anything like it is here in Canada, it would be there duty to just kill it. Unfortunately.

[Brandon8521]

Keep what ever you put it in nice and sealed. They can live for days out of water moveing from one water source to another.

[side19]

yeah i think customs might have a slight issues with transferring a live animal over the border. lol. would an aquarium take it? there are two of them about an hour and a half away from here, but i would only want them to take it if they will actually keep it and not kill it. does anyone know of any aquariums that have snake heads?

[Brandon8521]

They might concidering it would help alot with teaching the public about the fish. Pitch that aspect to them when you talk to them.

[Flutter]

Just to play devil's advocate but this fish is an illegal invasive species. Please do not try to ship it to another country. AFAIK Canada does not have these fish in our waters. It would be irresponsible to send it over here because you never know who will get it.

Keep it in the States where they are already found and find someone who's willing to take the risk. I also believe that you need some sort of a permit to send it across the border.

[JRC3]

fish and game will kill it

Not necessarily true. Some are setting up colonies to study the fish. And some states offer permits for people to keep the fish.

Either way it's about doing what is right for the big picture...You can't argue with billions of years of evolution.

[Cuchulainn]

Yup, so its 165 dollars for an inspection from American borders agency, and another 55 bucks for a permit, plus any other charges for whichever airport it goes thru. AND they will charge for 100 lbs. of shipping weight minimum-this from a friend who deals with American and S.American customs on a daily basis in regards to fish exporting/importing
Yikes! Good luck, hope U find a good local home.

[side19]

i'm trying to get a hold of the two aquariums near me but no luck so far. all they seem interested in at the moment are marine mammals and i have yet to talk to a real person.