Are piranhas legal in Arizona?
A. In order to lawfully possess wildlife listed as restricted under this Section, for any activity prohibited under A.R.S. §§ 17-255.02, 17-306, R12-4-1102, or this Article, a person shall possess:
1. All applicable federal licenses and permits; and
2. The appropriate special license listed under R12-4-409(A); or
3. Act under a lawful exemption authorized under A.R.S. § 17-255.04, R12-4-316, R12-4-404, R12-4-405, R12-4-407, R12-4-425, R12-4-427, and R12-4-430.
B. The Commission recognizes the online taxonomic classification from the Integrated Taxonomic Information System as the authority in determining the designations of restricted live mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, crustaceans, and mollusks referenced under this Article. The Integrated Taxonomic Information System is available at any Department office and at www.itis.gov.
C. All of the following are considered restricted live wildlife and are subject to the requirements of this Article, unless otherwise specified:
1. Hybrid wildlife, as defined under R12-4-401, resulting from the interbreeding of at least one parent species of wildlife that is listed as restricted under this Section; and
2. Transgenic species, unless otherwise specified under this Article. For the purposes of this Section, "transgenic species" means any organism that has had genes from another organism put into its genome through direct human manipulation of that genome. Transgenic species do not include natural hybrids or individuals that have had their chromosome number altered to induce sterility. A transgenic animal is considered wildlife if the animal is the offspring of at least one wildlife species.
D. Domestic animals, as defined under R12-4-401, are not subject to restrictions under A.R.S. Title 17, 12 A.A.C. 4, or Commission Orders.
E. Unless otherwise specified , all mammals listed below are considered restricted live wildlife :
R12-4-406. Restricted Live Wildlife
I. Fish listed below are considered restricted live wildlife :
33. All species of the genera Pygocentrus, Pygopristis, and Serrasalmus. Common name: piranha.
References
ARIZONA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE. TITLE 12. NATURAL RESOURCES. CHAPTER 4. GAME AND FISH COMMISSION. ARTICLE 4. LIVE WILDLIFEtitle 12. natural resources chapter 4. game and fish commission
Ariz. Admin. Code § 12-4-406