MT state regulations

Aquarium fish legality in Montana

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 Montana

Aquarium species permitted.

Regulatory agency

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks

Official website: https://fwp.mt.gov/

Always check the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks 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 Montana aquarium law

Are piranhas legal in Montana?

Piranhas are not specifically banned in Montana, but always confirm with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks before purchase.

Are snakeheads legal in Montana?

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

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

Most common aquarium species do NOT require a permit in Montana. Aquarium species permitted. Always check the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks website for the current restricted-species list before purchase.

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

The official source is the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks: https://fwp.mt.gov/. State lists update regularly - check before any purchase.

Can I ship fish from another state to Montana?

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

Shop Montana-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 MT. 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.