Can you transport ocean caught fish into your fish tank?

[BigBossman420]

I always wondered if there is a way to take smaller saltwater fish that I catch while fishing and transplant them into a tank.Fish such as sandbass, sardines, octopus, stingray, etc... I know that the fish would probably go into shock and die, but I always thought it might work. Has anyone out there ever tried this, or maybe someone can share there expertise with me. Thanks

[The R/C Man]

Welcome to Reefland!


Well you could probably slowly aclimate them into the new environment with a degree of success. However there are laws protecting certain species from being captured without a license. You would also have to consider the potential size of these fish and wether or not you can provide the home required. A stingray would require a large tank and would need to be spaecialized. An octopus requires a tightly sealed container as they will escape through very small holes. Just some thoughts.

It is also nice to support your local fish store. Having an expert that can help you out in times of need is invaluable.

[showfish]

Yes you can, depending on the species. However I would recommend QT for a period of 4 to six weeks. I have been a collector for many years here in Florida and we have specific regulations on which species may be legally collected and size restrictions for these species. You should check with your State Wildlife Commission to obtain the regulations for your particular state. Just keep in mind the size limitations for your particular system, for most of the fish your going to catch with rod and reel will grow to large for most aquarium systems, thus it would probably be better for both you and the fish to just throw them back.

[BigBossman420]

Showfish- What exactly do you mean by QT? Im guessin Quarentine. I have a 150gal tank and am thinking about taking some of my favorite species from la jolla and putting them into my tank. I would buy the fish from dealers but no one sells the species I want. I am a avid fisherman and know most of the regs. I am also an avid lobster diver. Would a legal size lobster make it in a tank? THanks for your responses

[BubbaWPB]

Hmmm... very interesting reading.... http://myfwc.com/marine/recreational/recharvestmls.htm

I can't find similar stuff for California, but then again, California's waters aren't tropical. Although they have some impressive non-tropical marine displays at large commerical aquariums (e.g. Monterrey Bay Aquarium has an impressive kelp forest), most home saltwater aquariums are of the tropical variety.

I think if you were going to keep some native Californian species, you'd have to do lots of homework on non-tropical saltwater aquariums... and make sure you can take some of the fish home legally and put them in the tank... you know how conservative those Californians are about protecting their wildlife!

[Ninong]

The Catalina Goby is native to your area and it is often sold as an aquarium fish. Unfortunately, it won't survive long-term at temperatures above 74 degrees Fahrenheit. The beautiful Garibaldi, California's state fish, is illegal to collect in U.S. waters. It is often collected off Baja California and then sold in the U.S. Your tank is not large enough for a Garibaldi and, of course, it would require temps below 74 F.

A lobster will survive if you give it appropriate water temperature, etc. However, lobsters are very aggressive.

[CSeaSee]

I'll second the quarantine (QT) idea. There are lots of fun parasites in the ocean that I'd hate to get in my display tank...

[Boostable]

Glad I found this thread... I will be spending some time in the keys this summer and was wondering the same things.

Thanks for the link bubba..

I might have to take a holding tank with me after all... ;)

JW

[showfish]

Make sure you get that saltwater fishing license. They will check you down there, and make sure not to collect in the marine sanctuary.

[Boostable]

Showfish... You have any links for maps of none collection areas down there?

JW

[leebca]

A very old thread that I'm closing.

Wild caught fish can and have known to do well in aquariums suited to their natural habitat. Often, around the USA the waters are not tropical, so keeping the fish at tropical temperatures can and does shorten their lifespan (some slowly cook).

There is a legal consideration too -- what fishes are allowed to be taken from their natural waters.

After the above considerations are satisfied, go for it!