Restricted + banned species, permits required, and regulatory contact. Updated May 2026.
Tropical aquarium species generally permitted.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Official website: https://cpw.state.co.us/
Always check the Colorado Parks and Wildlife restricted-species list before any aquarium livestock purchase. Lists update regularly and federal Lacey Act listings apply on top of state rules.
No, piranhas are prohibited in Colorado.
No, all Channa (snakehead) species are illegal in Colorado.
Most common aquarium species do NOT require a permit in Colorado. Tropical aquarium species generally permitted. Always check the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website for the current restricted-species list before purchase.
The official source is the Colorado Parks and Wildlife: https://cpw.state.co.us/. State lists update regularly - check before any purchase.
Yes, most aquarium species ship freely between states. Restricted species (snakeheads, piranhas where banned) cannot ship into Colorado. Vetted Fast Aquatics vendors filter to your state automatically.
Fast Aquatics vendors filter inventory automatically by your shipping state - you'll only see species legal to ship to CO. Browse saltwater, freshwater, coral, or aquatic plants with carrier-tracked Buyer Protection on every order.
Browse the full state legality matrix covering all 50 US states + DC.