Importing “Wolf Fish”

November 19, 2020

Question: I am the manager of a fish importing business in Miami. I would like to import Hoplias malabaricus (wolf fish) into California. Are there any restrictions? (Ivan)

Answer: Yes, there are restrictions. Hoplias malabaricus (commonly known as wolf fish, tiger fish, guabine or trahira) are predatory Central and South American freshwater ray finned fish that are illegal to import, transport or possess, except under permit issued by the department per California Code of Regulations, Title 14, section 671. They belong to the order Characiformes (to which piranhas, pacu, and tetras also belong), and family Erythrinidae. These fish are classified as “detrimental” because they pose a threat to native wildlife, the agriculture interests of the state, or to public health or safety.