Livestock and restricted species

Live fish, shrimp, snails, coral and aquatic plants are welcome in the classifieds, as long as they're legal where you and the buyer live. The full rules are on the Listing rules page. This guide covers everything on that page and the reminders you see on the post form.

Can I sell live fish, coral and plants?

Yes. The Listing rules page lists what's welcome:

• Freshwater and saltwater fish, shrimp, snails and other inverts that are legal where you live
• Captive-bred or aquacultured coral, frags and colonies (with paperwork where it's required)
• Aquatic plants, mosses and algae that aren't restricted in your state
• Tanks, stands, filters, lights, equipment, food, decor and DIY builds
• Wanted ads and free rehoming

What can't I list?

The Listing rules page lists seven things that are not allowed:

1. Endangered or protected species: anything listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, or on CITES Appendix I. Appendix II species (many corals, some fish) only with the paperwork the law requires, and only if you can show it on request.
2. Species that are illegal where you or the buyer live: federally injurious species (for example snakeheads and invasive carp) and anything your state bans or restricts. California, for example, restricts piranhas, snakeheads and every Caulerpa species. Check your state wildlife or agriculture agency if you're unsure.
3. Wild-collected animals or plants from local waters: don't sell what you took from a creek, lake or the ocean unless you hold the license that allows it.
4. Getting around the rules: no restricted species as a "free gift" with another item, hidden in a bundle, or described in code words.
5. Sick, dying or mistreated animals: no livestock you know is sick, diseased or unfit to ship. Say so plainly if something is being treated.
6. Prescription drugs and banned chemicals: prescription-only medications, and anything illegal to sell to the public.
7. Anything misleading or unrelated: wrong species names, stolen photos, fake prices, and anything that isn't for the aquarium hobby.

What warning shows on the post form for livestock?

When you choose Freshwater Fish, Saltwater & Coral, Shrimp, Snails & Inverts or Aquatic Plants as your category, an amber box appears under the category:

Which species you can legally sell, move or rehome is set by your state, and it varies. Checking that for what you're posting is on you, not us.

Never release anything into the wild. See our terms.

The terms link opens the Terms of Service. The box is a reminder, not a check: the site doesn't look up your species or block anything automatically.

Every ad, livestock or not, also shows this line above the post button: "By posting you confirm this listing follows our listing rules: nothing endangered, protected or illegal in your state."

Whose job is it to check the law?

Yours as the seller, and the buyer's for where they live. The Listing rules page says: "Wildlife law differs by state, and sometimes by county. By posting you confirm you may legally keep, sell and transfer what you list, and that you hold any permit it needs. Buyers are responsible for the rules where they live."

The Terms of Service add that Underground Aquarium doesn't inspect listings, verify species or check anyone's permits, and nothing on the site should be read as saying a particular sale is legal. If you're not certain about a species, check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before you post it.

Does Underground Aquarium check my listing before it goes live?

No. Ads go live the moment you post them. Our team reviews ads that get reported, and may remove any listing at its discretion, including anything believed to be restricted where the poster is, anything cruel or neglectful, and anything that misrepresents what's offered.

What about CITES Appendix II corals and fish?

Many corals and some fish are on CITES Appendix II. You may list them only with the paperwork the law requires, and you must be able to show it on request. Captive-bred and aquacultured coral is welcome, with paperwork where it's required.

Can I sell fish or plants I collected locally?

Not unless you hold the license that allows it. The rules specifically ban selling animals or plants taken from a creek, lake or the ocean without the right license.

Can I ship livestock to a buyer?

The site doesn't arrange or handle shipping for classified ads. Most deals are local pickup. If you and a buyer agree to ship, the Listing rules remind you: "Shipping live animals has its own carrier rules. Check them before you ship." Rules about moving live plants and animals across state lines also apply. See Safe local pickup.

What should I do with fish or plants I can't sell?

Never release aquarium animals or plants into the wild, a waterway or a storm drain. Rehome them instead: post a Free ad, or ask in the forums and somebody will usually take them. See Where to sell aquarium fish.

What if I see a listing that breaks the rules?

Tap Report on the listing page and our team will review it. If you don't want to hear from someone again, block them from their profile. See Reporting content and Blocking people.

What happens if my listing breaks the rules?

Listings that break the rules are removed, and repeat offenders lose their account. A removed ad shows as removed in My listings. You can still open it, but only you can see it, and there's no Repost button for it. If you think it was removed by mistake, email support@undergroundaquarium.com with the ad's title.

Common problems

I'm not sure if a species is legal in my state. Check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before posting. The site can't tell you whether a particular sale is legal.

I picked a plant category and got a warning. Did I do something wrong? No. The amber box shows for every fish, invert, coral and plant category. It's a reminder to check your state's rules.

Can I include a restricted species as a freebie with a legal sale? No. Restricted species as a "free gift", hidden in a bundle, or described in code words are specifically banned.

My fish are on medication. Can I still list them? Knowingly selling sick or diseased livestock isn't allowed. If fish are being treated, say so plainly in the description, and consider waiting until treatment is finished.

My listing shows "removed" in My listings. Our team took it down for breaking the listing rules. Email support@undergroundaquarium.com if you think it's a mistake.