Organisation warns about unlicensed fish

After recently seizing two batches of Myxocyprinus asiaticus fish, the Onamental Aquatic Trade Association reminded others to be diligent.

In a statement the OATA said:”We have been notified by the Fish Health Inspectorate (FHI) that they’ve recently seized two batches of Myxocyprinus asiaticus, traded as Chinese high fin loach, from retailers. These freshwater fish aren’t licensed under ILFA so can’t be sold in the UK.

“All businesses, whether importers, wholesalers or retailers, do need to remember their legal duties to import and sell ONLY those freshwater species that are licensed under ILFA.

“Please make sure you do your due diligence to check that what you buy or sell is what you think it is. Only valid scientific names are a reliable indicator for species, not trade names and common names.

“Details of the freshwater species that can be imported can be found here under the section Licence to keep non-native freshwater fish (ILFA licence). You’ll find an excel spreadsheet to download where you can check scientific names – if they don’t appear on the list then they can’t be sold (this list only applies to freshwater fish).”