CITES and Arowana: Understanding Import Regulations for Exotic Fish

Certain arowana varieties, particularly the Asian arowana, are listed under CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), affecting how they can be legally bred, sold, and transported.

What CITES Listing Means

A CITES listing regulates or restricts international trade in a species to help protect wild populations, requiring permits, certificates, or in some cases outright bans depending on the specific country and appendix listing.

Captive-Bred Exceptions

Many regulated arowana varieties available in the trade come from certified captive-breeding programs, which may operate under different (though still regulated) rules than wild-caught specimens.

Why This Matters for Buyers

Always confirm proper documentation and legal sourcing when purchasing regulated arowana varieties, since import and ownership rules vary significantly by country and even by state or region.

Beyond Arowana

Various other fish, coral, and aquatic species face similar international trade regulations, generally aimed at protecting vulnerable wild populations from overcollection. See our Complete Guide to Arowana Care for care fundamentals once you’ve confirmed a legal, well-documented source.