Snakeheads (genus Channa, Parachanna) are federally prohibited under the Lacey Act in the US. Interstate transport is illegal. A handful of states have specific bans on top of the federal restriction. Fast Aquatics blocks snakehead shipments to all US addresses.
Snakeheads were added to the federal injurious wildlife list in 2002 following a population establishment in Maryland. The Lacey Act now makes it illegal to import, transport, or trade live snakeheads across state lines. This is a federal restriction - no state can override it.
A handful of states have additional state-level bans (Maryland, Florida, California, Texas, Virginia among others), but the practical effect is the same: snakeheads cannot legally be sold, shipped, or transported in the US hobby trade.
Penalties include up to $25,000 in fines per violation and potential criminal charges. Fast Aquatics' state-restriction filter blocks snakehead shipments to any US address regardless of state, in compliance with federal law.
Yes, prior to 2002. The federal injurious wildlife listing followed a documented population establishment in Maryland's Crofton Pond. The federal restriction is now permanent absent legislative change.
Some states (with grandfathering provisions) allow pre-2002 specimens to be kept by their original owners but not sold or transported. Most states do not have grandfathering. Consult your state Department of Natural Resources.