Q - natives in aquariums in MN

[mainbutter]

Why is it that only 16-and-unders are allowed to transport live natives (certain species with size restrictions at least) for home aquariums?

I'd love to have a large coldwater aquarium with a couple sunfish, but I certainly am not within the 16-and-under age limit.

Does anyone know just what is this regulation meant to protect?

Please don't take this as me just complaining for the 'fun' of it, I'm honestly interested about the logic behind this.

[stumper]

Im guessing its to keep people from "stocking' other public waters with fish . I think its got more to do with stopping disease spread.

[pushbutton]

while having absolutely no clue about the formation of the law, would think it would have something like "educational and apprectiative opportunities for young people" behind it. if you really want a tank with sunfish i could drop my kid off at your house every weekend while i go fishing and we will just tell the state it is his.

[StillwaterAaron]

You can now buy native fish at some pet stores and you must keep the reciept as proof that you purchased it. I have some natives and love to watch them.

[mainbutter]

Im guessing its to keep people from "stocking' other public waters with fish . I think its got more to do with stopping disease spread.

You know this does make sense.

I guess I'll be looking up somewhere that sells natives

[merkman]

I think the DNR is worried about unintentional "stocking" also.

ie where do you put them when/if you decide you don't want them anymore.

And what if you "spilled" them someway into a waterway. (ie a car accident on a bridge).

I know it is a stretch but that is how it was explained to me by the MnDNR.

The best bet is to go to a Minnesota fish farmer (google will find you one), purchase them and keep your reciept.

Make sure you get a transportation permit from the MnDNR also.

The transportation permit wasn’t a big deal about 5 years ago.

[mnbound]

I've had native fish. Aquatropics in Robbinsdale is the only metro pet store licensed to sell MN native fish. They carry northern, muskie, walleye, crappie, LM Bass, bluegill, bullhead. Supplies are limited and once there's ice you have to wait until spring.

[goblueM]

just a thought (and i havent checked regs) but you could probably net some minnows and stuff to put in an aquarium. they are pretty fun to watch

shiners, dace, etc - there are a lot of cool ones out there, and they may not be restricted

[wormdunker]

Well the funny thing about this is as a kid I stocked a small lake near my house using my bike and a 5 gallon pail. I was well under 16 and wanted a smaller lake to wade/float my tube in for LMB. The lake since has been extremly good. Keep in mind this was 20+ years ago. I had no clue and woudl not even consider it today.

I had a freshwater aquarium in my late high school years. Muskies and small mouth. The small mouth were far more territorial and nearly killed my muskies. I had to put a divider in it. 150 gallon aquarium. You can buy naturals and yes you need to keep a receipt or consider them part of your limit. That was the rule years ago, not sure what it is now. It was a lot of fun but very time consuming. Meat eaters [PoorWordUsage] a lot more than flake eaters thsu more cleaning.