AR state regulations

Aquarium fish legality in Arkansas

Restricted + banned species, permits required, and regulatory contact. Updated May 2026.

Reviewed by the Fast Aquatics editorial team · Updated May 2026

Restricted + prohibited species in Arkansas

General aquarium species permitted.

Regulatory agency

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

Official website: https://www.agfc.com/

Always check the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission restricted-species list before any aquarium livestock purchase. Lists update regularly and federal Lacey Act listings apply on top of state rules.

Frequently asked questions about Arkansas aquarium law

Are piranhas legal in Arkansas?

No, piranhas are prohibited in Arkansas.

Are snakeheads legal in Arkansas?

No, all Channa (snakehead) species are illegal in Arkansas.

Do I need a permit to keep aquarium fish in Arkansas?

Most common aquarium species do NOT require a permit in Arkansas. General aquarium species permitted. Always check the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission website for the current restricted-species list before purchase.

Where can I check the official restricted-species list for Arkansas?

The official source is the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission: https://www.agfc.com/. State lists update regularly - check before any purchase.

Can I ship fish from another state to Arkansas?

Yes, most aquarium species ship freely between states. Restricted species (snakeheads, piranhas where banned) cannot ship into Arkansas. Vetted Fast Aquatics vendors filter to your state automatically.

Shop Arkansas-legal aquarium livestock on Fast Aquatics

Fast Aquatics vendors filter inventory automatically by your shipping state - you'll only see species legal to ship to AR. Browse saltwater, freshwater, coral, or aquatic plants with carrier-tracked Buyer Protection on every order.

Other state legality pages

Browse the full state legality matrix covering all 50 US states + DC.