Importing Stingrays

February 13, 2020

Question: My company imports tropical fish. I have a client who wants me to sell freshwater stingray from South America. I would like to know if the State of California has any prohibition on these fish. (Jonas)

 Answer: California’s restricted species laws and regulations are very clear. According to the CCR Title 14, section 671, it is unlawful to import, transport or possess certain live animals not normally domesticated in this state without a permit from CDFW. Cartilaginous fishes in class Elasmobranchiomorphi, family Potamotrygonidae (river stingrays) are specifically listed in section 671, (c)(6)(B), with a note that the Fish and Game Commission has deemed them to be potentially detrimental to native wildlife, the agriculture interests of the state, or to public health and safety.

Individuals and organizations that meet certain specified conditions (the animal is for public exhibition or research, for instance) may apply for a restricted species permit, but importing stingrays for sale to private collectors would not be allowed.