Many aquarium enthusiasts are captivated by the idea of keeping native fish as pets. The allure of creating a biotope aquarium featuring local species is strong. However, in Tennessee, the line between admiring wild fish and legally keeping them in your home aquarium is surprisingly complex, particularly when “fish and pets” are concerned. Tennessee’s fishing regulations, designed to manage baitfish and prevent ecological disruption, inadvertently impact the ability to keep many non-game fish as pets.
The Tennessee fishing regulations narrowly define “bait,” categorizing different fish species into classes. This classification system, primarily intended for anglers, has implications for anyone considering keeping fish from local waters. While one might whimsically consider their aquarium a “fancy baitwell,” the regulations don’t readily accommodate this interpretation. Class II species might, possibly, be kept under specific pretenses, but the majority of other non-game species fall into Class III.
Class III regulations are particularly restrictive. Fish in this category can only be used as bait in the waters where they were caught. Crucially, they “shall not be possessed away from the waters from which they were harvested.” This clause is where the issue for aquarium hobbyists arises. According to discussions with Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) officers and employees, there are virtually no exceptions for keeping most non-game fish in home aquariums without a special permit. Therefore, keeping many native fish species as pets is, in most cases, illegal in Tennessee.
The rationale behind these stringent regulations is understandable: preventing the introduction of baitfish into non-native waters. Examples exist where well-intentioned individuals have relocated fish, such as Tennessee dace, leading to risks of hybridization and endangering already vulnerable species. While the intention is ecological preservation, the regulations are broadly worded and place the onus of fish identification – sometimes a challenge even for fisheries biologists – on the individual.
For those passionate about “fish and pets,” and specifically native fish, it’s essential to understand that Tennessee law currently presents significant hurdles. Unless you obtain a specific permit, keeping most non-game fish from local waters in your aquarium is likely against the regulations. Always consult the official TWRA regulations and, if in doubt, directly contact a TWRA officer to ensure compliance and responsible fish keeping.
