Law on aquarium and pond fish in Belgium
Aquariums and ponds: banned invasive species, protected corals, fish welfare.
Freshwater: check that the species is not on the EU list of invasive species.
Key points
- No mandatory identification of fish.
- EU invasive alien species: sale, keeping and breeding prohibited.
- Hard corals and some marine species: CITES documents.
- Releasing fish or aquarium plants into the wild is prohibited.
Obligations and good practice
Welfare
- Volume, filtration, temperature and tank mates suited to the adult species.
- Sale: scientific name, size, care requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sell any fish?
No: species on the EU list of invasive alien species may be neither sold nor bred.
Learn more
- Complete guide to Belgian law (all animals)
- 🎏 Legislation : Pond and cold water
- 🐠 Legislation : Saltwater fish
- 🦐 Legislation : Shrimps, snails and corals
- CITES in Belgium (FPS Public Health)
This guide is for information; it does not replace the official texts. If in doubt, contact your Region’s administration.