What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Sometimes—but Indiana does not treat “exotic” as a blanket legal category. Fish named in Indiana’s prohibited-fish rule may not be sold, while other fish can still face sale, import, breeding, labeling, or federal requirements. The answer depends on the exact species and what you plan to do with it.
Which exotic fish may not be sold in Indiana?
Indiana’s Exotic Fish Rule, 312 IAC 9-6-7, bars importing, possessing, propagating, buying, selling, bartering, trading, transferring, loaning, or releasing listed fish into public or private waters. The restrictions also reach recently hatched or juvenile live fish, viable eggs, genetic material, and hybrids or genetically altered fish of the listed categories. Indiana DNR describes the rule as covering 13 species or families.
The rule’s listed categories include exotic catfish; bighead, black, and silver carp; white perch; snakehead; rudd; ruffle; tubenose goby; round goby; stone moroko; zander; and Wels catfish, as well as hybrids or genetically altered fish of those categories. Check the rule’s exact terms and the fish’s scientific name: a common label such as “exotic” or “nonnative” does not by itself establish that a fish is prohibited.
The rule contains limited exceptions, including specified use by an accredited zoological park, lawful interstate shipment through Indiana when fish are not unloaded or leave a common carrier’s control, and certain possession under an aquaculture permit or scientific-purpose license. Those exceptions are not general permission to sell a prohibited fish.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- QUIET AQUARIUM FILTER: The Tetra Whisper IQ Power Filter with Stay Clean technology contains a sound shield for quiet filtration less than 40 dB.
- SELF PRIMING: Submerged motor starts up with no priming required.
- CAPACITY: The Tetra Whisper IQ 20 Power Filter works in filters up to 20 gallons (130 GPH).
- STAY CLEAN TECHNOLOGY: By maintaining healthy pH levels, creates easier maintenance for healthier fish.
- CARTRIDGE REFILLS: Change cartridges monthly; uses large-sized Tetra Whisper Bio-Bag Filter Cartridges (refills sold separately).
What about fish that are not on the prohibited list?
Absence from the prohibited list does not automatically clear a fish for commercial sale. Indiana Code § 14-22-9-7 generally prohibits selling, bartering, exchanging, or purchasing fish protected by law. It allows certain sales of hatchery-reared fish and fish lawfully taken outside Indiana under valid commercial fishing authority, subject to applicable exceptions and identification or labeling requirements. The label may need to identify the seller and address, hatchery, or relevant commercial license or regulation.
The statute also says a live fish species not approved by the director may not be imported and sold without a permit for that activity. Separate administrative rules govern importing live fish for sale or release and raising fish for sale. Under 312 IAC 9-10-15, importation of live fish for sale or release generally requires a fish importation permit unless an exception applies. The rule identifies fish that may be imported without that permit, excludes genetically altered fish from that list, and provides an exception for suppliers whose fish are exclusively for the aquarium pet trade—provided the fish are not listed under 312 IAC 9-6-7.
Rank #2
- QUIET AQUARIUM FILTER: The Tetra Whisper IQ Power Filter with Stay Clean technology contains a sound shield for quiet filtration less than 40 dB.
- SELF PRIMING: Submerged motor starts up with no priming required.
- CAPACITY: The Tetra Whisper IQ 45 Power Filter works in tanks up to 45 gallons (215 GPH).
- STAY CLEAN TECHNOLOGY: By maintaining healthy pH levels, creates easier maintenance for healthier fish.
- CARTRIDGE REFILLS: Change cartridges monthly; uses large-sized Tetra Whisper Bio-Bag Filter Cartridges (refills sold separately).
Do aquarium fish sellers need permits?
Indiana’s rules include aquarium-pet-trade exceptions in the importation, fish hauler/supplier, and aquaculture requirements for qualifying fish outside the prohibited list. The exception is limited to its terms; it should not be read as permission to sell a fish prohibited by 312 IAC 9-6-7 or as a blanket exemption for every business activity.
The fish hauler and supplier rules address importing live fish from another state or country for sale and raising fish for sale. Applicants generally must establish that fish are free of communicable disease, will not become a nuisance, and will not damage native wild species or domestic species of animals or plants. Which permit or exception applies can depend on whether you are importing, supplying, or raising the fish and on its intended market.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #3
- WITH ROTATING BIO-WHEEL: Patented Bio-Wheel technology provides excellent wet/dry biological filtration.
- MULTI-STAGE FILTRATION: Delivers mechanical, chemical and biological aquarium filtration to maintain a clean aquatic environment.
- MARINELAND FILTRATION PRODUCTS: Count on Marineland brand for the most reliable, technically advanced aquariums and accessories on the market.
- COMPATIBILITY: Use with Marineland Rite-Size Filter Cartridges (see individual filter for sizing recommendations).
- FIVE SIZES: Available in 75 GPH, 100 GPH, 150 GPH, 200 GPH and 350 GPH sizes.
Indiana DNR lists its fish importation and fish hauler/supplier permits and current application information. DNR’s commercial fish suppliers page also notes that certain species imported from another Great Lakes state need a pre-entry permit from Indiana’s Board of Animal Health. Confirm current requirements for the specific fish and route with DNR and, where relevant, the Board of Animal Health; application details and fees can change.
Could federal rules also apply?
Yes. Indiana’s rule directs people possessing federally listed injurious species to comply with 18 U.S.C. 42 and 50 CFR 16. A species-specific federal check may therefore be necessary in addition to reviewing Indiana law.
Rank #4
- INTERNAL POWER FILTER: Tetra Whisper Internal Power Filter for 5- to 10-gallon aquariums uses medium Whisper BioBag filter cartridges that are easy to change.
- QUIET 85 GPH MOTOR: The internal pump efficiently filters up to 85 gallons per hour.
- POWERFUL FILTRATION: Water flows through the cartridge floss, trapping debris and fish waste, while Ultra-activated carbon helps remove odor and discoloration.
- SPACE-SAVING DESIGN: Your aquarium can be 1” from the wall with the internal filter designed to clip directly on your aquarium wall and be hidden by décor.
- EASILY ADJUSTABLE: Adjustable clip allows for a variety of setups to easily adjust to high or low water levels.
How to check a fish before selling or importing it
- Identify the fish precisely. Record its scientific species name, not only a trade or common name, and compare it with the complete list in 312 IAC 9-6-7.
- Define the transaction. Determine whether you will sell, import, breed or raise, transport, or release the fish. Different restrictions and permits attach to different activities.
- Check the relevant exceptions and approvals. If the fish is outside the prohibited list, verify whether the import no-permit list or aquarium-pet-trade exception actually covers your fish and activity. Do not assume that a retailer’s sale or aquarium marketing establishes approval.
- Verify route-specific and federal requirements. Check with Indiana DNR about the exact species and transaction, and check the Board of Animal Health when a Great Lakes-state import may require pre-entry approval. Review federal restrictions for federally listed injurious species.
This is general information about Indiana rules, not a determination for an unidentified fish or a particular seller. The legal status of a specific sale depends on the species and transaction details.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- UNASSEMBLED REPLACEMENT CARBON FILTER Keeps aquarium water crystal clear – removes odors and discoloration
- CATCHES DEBRIS Dense dual-sided mesh filters debris and fish waste
- FITS TETRA WHISPER WATER FILTERS Color coded to make it simple to remember which replacement cartridge size to purchase
- CONVENIENT Easy to assemble and easy to replace
- USAGE Change monthly or sooner if needed
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
