6 replies to this topic

[Colorful0Giraffe]

Hi,
I got a little confused by Tennessees laws regarding keeping native fish. I understand you cant collect fish in TN and keep them in an aquarium but could you collect them in KY and bring them back to TN, or would this be illegal because theyre native to TN. The reason I am asking this is because I am not going to move to MO after all. I thought I would go ahead and ask because it takes me months longer than it should to plan a tank, I just cant ever decide. Thanks for any info you can give me.
Colorful Giraffe

[Casper]

Basically... you can keep fish from anywhere on the globe EXCEPT your home state of Tennessee.

 

If the fish is not found in Tennessee, nor listed... go for it.

 

While your out seining and you catch some cool looking shiners or darters TWRA will allow you to use them as bait.  With the proper fishing license.

 

 

Sarcasm and frustration aside Florida fish make for ideal native fish aquariums.  Just don't possess any Golden Topminnows, Fundulus chrysotus, as those are found in the NW corner of Tennessee.

 

Being content to snorkel has its benefits.

[Colorful0Giraffe]

Ok thanks for explaining it Casper. Next time I go through Kentucky I will be sure to buy a fishing license and see if I can collect any fish that aren’t native to TN. I was just wondering if I bought fish from Jonahs Aquarium and if they were native to Tennessee would this be illegal?

[Casper]

I don't think so.

However with all the DNA splits a Rainbow Darter from far north is surely different from a TN Rainbow.

It will only get more confusing as the splitters divide and expand the species lists.

 

And who is to say that a fish not currently found ( nor listed ) in Tennessee does not show up on some future TWRA survey.  Then your pet Fred the Fish will be black listed and you will be required to execute him.

 

It is a sad affair to live in the great state of diversity if you want to keep natives in aquaria.

 

You can always pay to visit the Tennessee Aquarium.  They take cash.

 

It is rare to see a fish in captivity as beautiful as it looks in God's nature.  A glass box does not offer what nature provides.

[Colorful0Giraffe]

Ok now I think I finally have an understanding of this. Thanks again for explaining it. I agree fish or any animals never look the same in a cage as in nature. I admit I wasn’t very interested in the native fish, I mainly just wanted an excuse to culture some small aquatic organisms and insects to feed them I might just get guppies so I’ll have an excuse.
Thanks
Colorful Giraffe

[Josh Blaylock]

Hi,
I got a little confused by Tennessees laws regarding keeping native fish. I understand you cant collect fish in TN and keep them in an aquarium but could you collect them in KY and bring them back to TN, or would this be illegal because theyre native to TN. The reason I am asking this is because I am not going to move to MO after all. I thought I would go ahead and ask because it takes me months longer than it should to plan a tank, I just cant ever decide. Thanks for any info you can give me.
Colorful Giraffe

 

 

Hit me up.  I'll show you some spots.

[Colorful0Giraffe]

Thanks, Josh I will be sure to let you know if I come through your area.