Keeping pet and ornamental fish healthy in secure aquaria or other recirculating aquaculture systems will help ensure they can’t escape and adversely affect the area’s natural ecosystem, including reducing the risk of them contracting and potentially spreading water-borne diseases.
Learn more about species that are allowed to be brought into Western Australia (WA) and the process for moving live fish.
Importing and keeping live fish
Heavy penalties apply to anyone caught in possession of fish on the noxious fish list.
Tips for keeping healthy fish
- Maintain good water quality in your tank or pond.
- Remove and dispose of sick fish quickly and responsibly.
- Do not overfeed your fish.
- Do not overcrowd your tank or pond.
- Ensure you are catering for the specific needs of the fish species you are keeping – e.g. don’t mix aggressive and passive species.
- Plan for the future growth of your fish – they may be small when you purchase them, but they could grow quite big.
Don’t dump that fish
The deliberate or accidental release of aquatic plants and animals into man-made and natural waterways can lead to pest species establishing themselves in the wild. They can have devastating impacts on our native species and aquatic environment. Once established, pests are usually impossible to eradicate.
They could also originate from facilities where no disease surveillance is in place and subsequently could spread significant diseases, affecting WA’s disease status for trading purposes, and adversely impacting on WA endemic species or aquaculture operations.
The released fish may also die from starvation or disease contracted from local species.
If you no longer want your fish, give them to an aquarium or someone else willing to take them. For example, the Koi Society of WA has an unwanted koi service. If you can’t find a new home for your fish, or if they are sick or diseased, dispose of them humanely. The RSPCA website has advice on how to humanely euthanase fish.
More information
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Don't dump that fish (brochure)pdf (1.14 MB)