LA state regulations

Aquarium fish legality in Louisiana

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 Louisiana

Most aquarium species legal.

Regulatory agency

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

Official website: https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/

Always check the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries 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 Louisiana aquarium law

Are piranhas legal in Louisiana?

No, piranhas are prohibited in Louisiana.

Are snakeheads legal in Louisiana?

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

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

Most common aquarium species do NOT require a permit in Louisiana. Most aquarium species legal. Always check the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website for the current restricted-species list before purchase.

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

The official source is the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries: https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/. State lists update regularly - check before any purchase.

Can I ship fish from another state to Louisiana?

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

Shop Louisiana-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 LA. 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.