Lacey Act
US wildlife trade lawDefinition
The Lacey Act is the US federal law (16 USC §§ 3371-3378) prohibiting trade in wildlife taken in violation of state, federal, tribal, or foreign laws. Applies to aquarium species - prohibits import of species banned in their country of origin.
Practical use
Snakeheads, certain Asian carp, and other invasive species are Lacey Act listed. Buying or selling listed species across state lines is a federal offense even if the species is legal in your state. Always check the Lacey Act listings via USFWS.
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