Help with sharks

[reefkeeper1]

I contacted the game and fish to find out about the laws concerning sharks in arizona. A freind of mine said it was against the law to keep them here so I had to find out. Game and fish told me that there were eight orders of sharks that were no allowed to have. 1:Hexanchiformes 2:Heterodoniforms 3:Squaliforms 4:Orectolobiformes 5:Laminaformes 6:Charcharhiniformes 7ristiophoriformes 8:Squantiniformes
I have checked out a lot of sharks and this seems to cover all of them. Does any one know of a shark that does not fall into one of these orders.

 

[risc]

ReefKeeper1: Actually there are many sharks you could have still under that law.
All carpet sharks, blind sharks, bamboo sharks, epaulette sharks, nurse sharks, zebra sharks, cat sharks, smoothound sharks, and hammerhead sharks... just to name a few that is. Seems to me looking back at this list I just gave you... those are the only sharks readily available in the trade. Quite a coincidence huh? ...
They are just trying to save you from having sharks like Lemons, Wobbegongs, Port Jacksons, Angels, and Reef sharks. Most of them which would bite humans if provoked. In other words they don't want any lawsuits over your neighbors kids having their arms bitten off by your pet lemon shark.
Jim

 

[reefkeeper1]

thanks for the post risc all the information I have is on all the sharks I cant have. When I started checking into which ones I could have they were all restricted. I am glad I still have some options

 

[jimmyfrontosa]

ReefKeeper1,
I too am from Az. and have been considering getting a shark. I was also told that we couldn't keep any sharks here without paying a hefty fine, so when I saw your post and the reply you recieved I was very excited!!! Been searching the net for the last hour to great dissappointment. Maybe risc didn't understand that those 8 orders of shark were NOT allowed, but Zebra falls into Heterodoniforms, Bamboo, carpet and Blind sharks fall into the Orectolobiforms, catsharks fall into Charcharhiniformes. I didn't look up nurse, smoothound and hammerhead yet, but it's late and I'm tired. LOL. Believe me, I'm just as let down as you. If you do find an attractive shark that us Az. folks can have, please let me know!! Best of luck. Jim

 

[risc]

You are right in that they all fall into the orders of ---
However they all fall into different family's. Nurse sharks fall into the Orectolobiformes order. Generally you can use the family rather than the order because it is more specific. That's what they do here in Minnesota. Then again it is legal to own a Tiger here as a pet so I don't know how strict AZ law is. My theory is that as long as you stay out of their suborder you may be able to get away with it.
Jim

 

[reefkeeper1]

Hey jimmy I spoke to game and fish again, they are going to check into the flexability of the law on this case. If you are interested Mark anugle is the director of the rules and risk for game and fish. They are putting together a team to go over the laws and see what will be changed. You are welcome to give any coments you like on what type of species you think should be leagal. Contact game and fish and let them know what you are interested in. They are located on 221 w green way rd. I spoke with the head of there fishery department and it amazed me to find out that its illegal to have small sharks but it is legal to own a blue ring octopus which is lethal.

 

[jimmyfrontosa]

Reefkeeper,
I appreciate the info. The reason I had checked into getting a shark was that I knew I would have my new tank up and running soon. It is a 300. I am a freshwater aquarist who was considering getting into the salt game because after I saw the size of this tank in person I said to myself, "Maybe I should get a shark!!" My tank is now up and cycling with my first love of freshwater fish, the Frontosa. Old habits ya know. I do enjoy following this board though as it has a lot of activity and plan to contribute in the future when I can speak knowledgably on a subject, so by all means please post what you find out. After all, there is room in my home for another monster tank that could house a nice shark. Best of luck! Jim