Taking Fish on a Plane from Japan

[Tactics]

I am currently visiting Japan and couldn't help myself from visiting Blue Harbor in Osaka. They have a few fish that I am interested in. I spoke to Koji and he said it would probably be OK to put the fish in a sytrofoam box and check it in within my big suitcase.

Supposedly, the TSA allows even carrying on fish but who knows what type of person you're going to meet at the gate. And, I haven't heard back from Fish and Wildlife.

Has anyone ever done this? Specifically from Japan?

They've got the tiniest angels! And, I think they had more baby bandits than damsels.

 

[jaa1456]

I did it from Mexico, no problems but I had everything done before I got to the airport. How much are the bandits if you don't mind me asking?

 

[humaguy]

ship them to me...def. make sure you have this squared before arriving at the airport...like you said that gate person could really cause a headache...post some pics...maybe Koji and recommend somebody at the airport to assist you?

 

[Tactics]

I did it from Mexico, no problems but I had everything done before I got to the airport. How much are the bandits if you don't mind me asking?

Hi jaa - what does "everything done before" mean? Did you bring the fish as carry on luggage? Can you please elaborate?

Bandits were about $2,000 USD for a 2" fish.

 

[Tactics]

ship them to me...def. make sure you have this squared before arriving at the airport...like you said that gate person could really cause a headache...post some pics...maybe Koji and recommend somebody at the airport to assist you?

I had a DSLR with me but last time I went, they frowned at close up photos so out of respect, I didn't take any photos.

Koji did say he could draft up some paperwork so the fish purchase was a "souvenir." His English wasn't perfect (and my Japanese was nonexistent) so I'm not exactly sure what that meant.

 

[humaguy]

hear ya...he doesnt love pics being taken and I repsect that...I would get anything from him you can...2k for a baby bandit though is silly...good luck!

 

[humaguy]

can you get somebody to translate? might be worthwhile....

 

[lebreef]

Taking fish out of Japan is not an issue. I did it 2 years ago without any fuss or questions. Styrofoam box in the suitcase is the way to go. I have no idea on the laws in the US in respect to bringing fish in.

 

[Tactics]

hear ya...he doesnt love pics being taken and I repsect that...I would get anything from him you can...2k for a baby bandit though is silly...good luck!

You definitely need to shop based on what your local prices are but there's no comparison if you're after 1" to 2" angels.

Taking fish out of Japan is not an issue. I did it 2 years ago without any fuss or questions. Styrofoam box in the suitcase is the way to go. I have no idea on the laws in the US in respect to bringing fish in.

Thanks for the feedback lebreef. I think I'll give it a shot and see how it goes. Even the customs declaration form doesn't ask about live animals.

 

[jaa1456]

I had to clear it with the Mexican government and get a permit. Also as you know when you arrive in the US you will go through customs as well. I put the fish in a styrofoam contanier in my carry on to avoid this. But the Mexica government had already issued a notice to them that I had a permit carrying live animals, so they knew I had the fish already. I had to pay the tax on it of course when I got to customs. Other than that not really to bad. Still cost me a lot less than any LFS I had gone to. The item I brought back were around 1000 blu legged hermits with some other types mixed in and 2 Juvi French angels. I caught these all by hand in tidal pools.

 

[geaux xman]

Sounds like we need a group buy!

@ Tactics

can we get a briefing on what kind of tank or fish you currently have?

 

[Tactics]

Sounds like we need a group buy!

@ Tactics

can we get a briefing on what kind of tank or fish you currently have?

geaux_xman, I have a 90gal SPS tank. I started in Jan 2012 and am now starting to get into rare fish.

Currently, I have a pair of C. Earlei and a male C. Joculator. I definitely love angels, butterflies and wrasses.

 

[nonimmigrant]

A 90 is going to be way too small for various angels; even centropyge. The only way to go on the fish is as check in baggage. You'll not be allowed to take them in the cabin.

 

[auem]

@Tactics,
if you are not sure how customs in US would respond,then better not risk it....

 

[b0bab0ey]

LOL - I'm gonna show my wife this thread the next time she &$!%#@* about me wanting to drive a couple of hours to buy some fish.

You guys are my hero!

 

[Tactics]

A 90 is going to be way too small for various angels; even centropyge. The only way to go on the fish is as check in baggage. You'll not be allowed to take them in the cabin.

I understand your concern with the size. An upgrade to a bigger tank is in this fish's future if I take the risk to check it in. How can anyone say no to this?

@Tactics,
if you are not sure how customs in US would respond,then better not risk it....

Thank you for the concern auem.

 

[Yurivd]

When I was in mauritius the collector sold me sum fish
What he gave me was a health certificate ( for customs ) and a sales letter
I never told customs and the fish passed the xray scanners

 

[nonimmigrant]

Heh heh... it's always worth it for interrupta LOL. My only other issue is that it's winter and a 15 hr flight (non-stop) back to NYC...

 

[chiblackhawks4]

heat packs

 

[humaguy]

I understand your concern with the size. An upgrade to a bigger tank is in this fish's future if I take the risk to check it in. How can anyone say no to this?

Wow! That is a tiny Interruptus...what is Koji selling them for?