Do I Need a License to Sell Freshwater Fish? And Other Tips

Having fish has never been complicated, you just need to make the choice and let the staff at a specialized store or website give you all you need to keep your fish safe. But, what about if you want to sell it? Or if you catch it, claim it as yours, and offer it to the community?

Sadly, it’s not that easy, but if you’re interested in selling your catch or just rearing freshwater fish for sale, then you must know all the information you’ll find next, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

You need a license if:

You want to take inland or freshwater fish for commercial purposes. The species you can take under this permit are:

• Carp or Minnow Family
• Cichlid Family
• Freshwater Mollusks
• Goby Family
• Mullet Family
• Killifish Family
• Lamprey Family
• Livebearer Family
• Sculpin Family
• Silverside Family
• Smelt Family
• Stickleback Family
• Sucker Family
• Threadfin Shad

What do I need to get it?

Depending on the motifs, you might need a group of licenses to sell, catch, or use fish for  recreational ends.

Of course the license forms, prices and requirements might vary from region to region, but there’s no way of escaping a license if you want to sell freshwater fish—bait, food, or live fish—. Check the Wildlife Resources Division of your State and get to know all the details.

On the other hand, here are some important points to consider if you want to start a business with freshwater fish:

Laws and regulations

The local municipality and the state government may have regulations regarding the commercial breeding of fish in residences. If you are interested in selling internationally, find out what are the federal laws that regulate the export of fish, such as those established by the United States Customs and Border Protection. Violating regulations can result in severe penalties.

Sale of fish

Fish store owners can tell you what sells well in their businesses and how much they pay. It can be difficult to earn a lot of money by raising fish for aquariums, unless you follow the trends. According to a breeding expert, “some stores can only offer you credit notes, while regional stores can buy you if you can save them money on freight costs.” As a general rule, merchants pay sellers 25 to 35% of the sale price.

Selection of breeds and equipment

After talking with fish shop owners, research what species can sell well in your area. Find out the growth and reproductive rates of each species that interests you, the nutritional needs and disease control. It is important to have an excellent filtration, with quality water and correct pH and temperature. Reproduction occurs when the living conditions are the best.

Transport

The size and oxygen requirements determine the size of the containers needed for transport. Use bags large enough to house the fish. The ideal is to fill the bag with 1/3 of water. For fish 3 inches (7.5 cm) or more, fill the bags halfway. Stop feeding the fish at least one to three days before transport to eliminate waste.

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