• Don’t take aquarium fish interstate, alwaysleave them in the State where they werepurchased when moving house. Somefish that are allowed in South Australia areillegal in other States and visa versa.

• Never shift live fish from one waterway toanother.

• Be aware of any unusual species or speciesshowing an abnormal abundance inwaterways.

• If you wish to dispose of aquariummaterial, including fish, take it to your localaquarium dealer or a PIRSA Fisheriesoffice, or contact either for information ona humane method of disposal of fish.

• Report any suspected exotic aquatic fishor plant to FISHWATCH on 1800 065 522.

Aquarium fish and the law

In an attempt to reducethe risk of introduced

aquatic organismscausingproblems in

South Australia’swaterways, PIRSA

Fisheries have regulations thatlist the species that fish

hobbyists may keep without apermit and those for which a permit

is required. These lists can be found on thePIRSA Fisheries website. It is illegal to keep aspecies in South Australia that is not listed in

the regulations.

Regulations seek to ensure that fish diseases orspecies that may have undesirablecharacteristics do not threaten native fish andtheir habitat. Quarantine laws and regulationsregarding the importation and sale of exotic fishhave been developed in an effort to protect theaquarium trade, individual hobbyists, fishfarmers and the environment from introduceddiseases and harmful species.

Be aware that the laws relating to the sale andkeeping of aquarium fish vary betweenAustralian States and Territories and a licencemust be obtained if you want to breed aquariumspecies for any purpose including trade, businessor research.

Further information If you require further general information on theregulations relating to aquarium fish in SouthAustralia contact FISHWATCH on 1800 065 522 orview the PIRSA Fisheries aquarium fishmanagement website:

www.pir.sa.gov.au/pages/fisheries/environmental/aquarium.htm

AU

S T R A LIA

SOUTH

Cichlid

Speckledmosquitofish

Koi Carp

Keep aquarium fish out of ourwaterwaysFor some people, an aquarium of brightlycoloured exotic fish may eventually become aburden and an unwanted responsibility.Dumping the contents of an aquarium into thenearest stream or at the local beach is not thesolution to the problem.

A vast array of animals and plants has becomeestablished in the Australian environment sincethe beginning of European settlement. Somewere released intentionally, others accidentally.While most of us are aware of the damagecaused to the landscape by introduced non-native species like rabbits and foxes, many maynot realise that our rivers and coastal watersare also under threat from a range of exoticaquatic invaders. Just like introduced land-based organisms, exotic fish, weeds and snailshave the potential to establishpopulations and dominateriver and marine habitatsand significantly impact on theenvironment.

Several aquarium species have establishedpopulations in Australia as a result of escapingor being released from ponds and aquariums,but fortunately very few cases have occurred inSouth Australia. A serious marine example isthe invasive seaweed, Caulerpa taxifolia, whilethe goldfish is now widely distributedthroughout freshwater systems in south-eastern Australia, including South Australia.

How do exotic fish impact on theenvironment?If released aquarium fish and plants survive andreproduce in the wild, they are difficult, if notimpossible, to control or eradicate. They canalso:• Establish colonies that compete for available

food supplies and habitat, and displace nativefish populations.

• Spread disease that may affect native fish andother aquatic fauna.

• Alter habitat of native fauna and thusreduce populations of desirable fish andother aquatic organisms.

• Prey upon native fish and other aquaticflora and fauna.

• Cause the establishment of noxiousaquatic weeds and snails.

• Spread parasitic organisms either directlyor indirectly from introduced aquaticplants carrying water snails that harbourparasites.

• Affect the genetics of native species bycross-breeding.

What should you do?To protect South Australia’s aquaticenvironment, it is important to always carefor and dispose of fish and aquarium plantsresponsibly.• Ensure exotic fish kept in ponds or dams

cannot escape into local waterways andstormwater drains.

• Never release unwanted aquarium fishinto the sea, dams or creeks, flush themdown the toilet (dead or alive), or usethem as live bait.

• If you catch an exotic fish, do not return itto the water (it is illegal to do so).

NEVER release pet fish, snails or aquarium plants into natural waterways or the ocean

Goldfish

Weatherlaoch

Caulerpa taxifolia

Mozambique mouthbrooder