[52149]

I really want to order fish online. Has anyone hear order fish before? If so, was it hard and how do I obtain the permit?

Do your research on the particular fish you want making sure the department of agriculture deems it legal to import. You can go to online application of the department of Agriculture to apply for the permit or you can go down to the plant and animal branch down by the airport to submit your application in person. You can do a one time shipment for Xx dollars or yearly permit for xx there are other options too such as non listed animals permit for a higher price

 

[52149]

you have to get a permit to order aquarium fish online? like neon tetras etc???!!

Anything that could pose a threat to water not necessary the fish but the water it may come in. So YES everything "live" needs a permit. You can thank all the irresponsible people before us that messed it up.

 

[52149]

Although I haven't ordered fish from the mainland I did look pretty extensively into the process. Here are a couple of links you can follow (credit to TPT member Morbo).

http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/pi/pq/import-program/
http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/sh...hipping+hawaii

Click on the first link which will open the State of Hawaii Plant Industry Division page. Click on the Non-Domestic Animals and Microorganisms List near the bottom of the page. On the page that select AR-71C.PDF and this will open the list of Conditionally approved animals including many species of aquatic fish. For example search for Sword and you will find multiple instances with the Scientific Name and Common Name. You will see this is an extensive list. You are required to provide a copy of your permit for the Seller to include in the shipment and on the outside of the box it should be clearly marked "Contains Living Material: Please Open for Agricultural Inspection".

I did call and talk to an inspector and while a permit is required to import Fish it is not required for aquarium plants although the box still should be marked as stated above.

For fish websites you can check out Aquabid and be sure to check on the Sellers feedback for their rating.

For those with more knowledge you can correct me if I have stated something that is false.

Depending on your circumstances your best avenue might be ordering through a LFS as Charrr89 previously posted.

Bump: per the inspector be sure no snails, worms, shrimp and dirt (for plants) are included.

You may wanna look more into the plant side. I really don't think you don't need a permit for plants. Because some aquatic plants can be grown emersed and can become and invasive plant which can be detrimental to our enviroment. Also depending who you talked to johnathan or Craig or the new guy there might be a gray area there. From what I hear and don't quote me someone on this forum had to get plants passed to the approved list. From my knowledge. I am not sure though. Not trying to step on toes but I am pretty sure that it is not allowed without a permit