Canadian Man Fined for Illegal Fish Trade

Feb. 18, 2026Updated Feb. 19, 2026, 7:09 a. m. ET

A man from Canada who admitted to importing, possessing, moving, and trying to sell Chinese and dwarf snakehead fish was hit with a $95,000 fine.

In November 2024, a Conservation Officer from the Ministry of Natural Resources got a tip that Freshwater Genetics Inc., an aquatic pet shop located in Aylmer, Ontario, was selling snakehead fish, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources.

An investigation started up and officers found that the storefront of Freshwater Genetics had shut down; however, the snakehead fish were moved to Adam Manzato’s home in St. Thomas.

It was also found out that Manzato had been advertising snakehead fish for sale online.

A search warrant was carried out at Manzato’s house where officers discovered five live snakehead fish. They were taken along with two more snakehead fish that were found at another location in St. Thomas.

The case went before Justice of the Peace Emma Sims in the Ontario Court of Justice in St. Thomas on Sept. 10, 2025.

Laws about snakehead fish in Ontario were established back in 2004.

“In Ontario, it is illegal to import, possess and sell live snakehead fish species,” said Ron Arnold, a Conservation Officer from the Ministry of Natural Resources.

“Snakehead fish, for example, the northern snakehead can survive our cold temperatures and climate and are aggressive eaters of other fish and crustaceans while being capable of reproducing rapidly. An invasion would harm Ontario’s aquatic biodiversity.

Also on FTW Outdoors: Woman caught poaching endangered species hiding them in her pants

“We have these rules set up to protect our lakes rivers and streams so they can stay sustainable and healthy for future generations.”

To report wrongdoings or help with an unsolved case members of the public can call the ministry TIPS line toll free at 1-877-847-7667. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Feature photo of a generic snakehead fish courtesy of Wie146/ Wikipedia Commons.

Source link