Is It Legal to Keep Native Fish in an Aquarium?
Keeping native British fish in a home aquarium is a growing interest among UK fishkeepers, but the legal side confuses a lot of people. The short answer: yes, it is legal to keep most native fish species in an aquarium in England, provided you source them responsibly and understand the conditions that apply. The law draws a sharp distinction between non-native invasive species (heavily restricted) and genuinely native species (generally permitted). Here's what you need to know.
What the Law Says
The main legislation governing fishkeeping in England is the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, reinforced by the Prohibition of Keeping or Release of Live Fish (Specified Species) (England) Order 2014. This Order created a "white list" system: certain non-native fish species are prohibited from being kept or released without a licence issued by the Environment Agency.
For common native species like three-spined sticklebacks, minnows, bullheads, and European perch, the picture is simpler. These fish do not appear on the prohibited list, so you can generally keep them in a home aquarium without a specific licence. However, there are important exceptions. Protected or endangered native species may require permission, and how you obtained the fish matters just as much as which species it is.
The key distinction is between non-native invasive species (which need a licence to keep) and genuinely native species (which are typically allowed). The Environment Agency maintains the definitive list, and it is worth checking before you commit to a species.
Which Native Species Can You Keep?
Most of the UK's common freshwater fish are legal to keep without a licence. The species you are most likely to encounter include:
Freely keepable without a licence:
- Three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus)
- Common minnow (Phoxinus phoxinus)
- Bullhead (Cottus gobio)
- European perch (Perca fluviatilis)
- Roach (Rutilus rutilus)
- Rudd (Scardinius erythrophthalmus)
- Tench (Tinca tinca)
May require Environment Agency permission:
- Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) - protected species
- Brown trout (Salmo trutta) - consent may be needed depending on source
- Some whitefish species in specific regions
The simplest rule of thumb: if you are buying from a reputable dealer or aquarist society, they will know what is legal. If you are collecting from the wild, you need to check with the Environment Agency first, and in many cases wild collection requires explicit written permission.
The Sourcing Question
Even when a species is legal to keep, how you obtain it matters. Collecting fish from the wild in England generally requires permission from the Environment Agency under the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975. This applies even to common species like sticklebacks and minnows.
The most straightforward route is buying captive-bred native fish from specialist dealers or aquarist societies. Fish bred in captivity do not carry the same regulatory concerns as wild-caught specimens, and they tend to be healthier and better adjusted to aquarium life.
An Amazon reviewer noted that buying captive-bred fish from specialist breeders gave them healthier, more active specimens compared to wild-caught alternatives - a practical observation backed by the welfare evidence.
Welfare Obligations Under UK Law
The Animal Welfare Act 2006 applies to all kept fish, including native species. Under this Act, you have a legal duty of care to provide:
- A suitable environment (correct tank size, water parameters, hiding places)
- A proper diet suited to the species
- Protection from pain, suffering, injury, and disease
- The ability to exhibit normal behaviour
Native fish often have specific requirements that differ from common tropical species. Many UK native fish are coldwater species, meaning they do not need a heater - but they do need stable temperatures, good filtration, and appropriate water chemistry. Predator species like perch need adequately sized tanks with plenty of cover.
Setting Up a Native Fish Tank
If you are planning a native UK aquarium, here are the practical essentials worth getting right from the start.
Water quality is the foundation. Native fish are adapted to specific pH ranges and mineral content depending on their natural habitat. A reliable water conditioner removes chlorine and heavy metals from tap water while preserving the minerals your fish need. Products like AQUARIAN Tap Water Safe or AquaCare Tap Water Conditioner handle this step simply and consistently.
Temperature control depends on your chosen species. Sticklebacks and minnows prefer cooler water in the 10-18C range, while perch tolerate slightly warmer conditions. If your room temperature fluctuates significantly between seasons, a reliable aquarium heater with precise thermostat control helps maintain stability. The Eheim Jager Heater is a well-regarded option for its accuracy and build quality.
Stress management matters more with native fish, particularly if they have been recently collected or transported. API Stress Coat adds a protective slime coat supplement that helps reduce stress and supports healing - a useful addition when settling new fish into a tank.
Tank size varies by species. A 60-litre tank suits a small group of sticklebacks or minnows. European perch need more room - at least 100 litres for a single adult, with additional space for groups. Overcrowding is one of the most common welfare issues in beginner native fishkeeping.
Quick Verdict
Keeping native UK fish in a home aquarium is legal for most common species, provided you source them responsibly (ideally captive-bred) and meet their welfare needs under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. The 2014 Order primarily targets non-native invasive species, not native ones. If you are collecting from the wild, check with the Environment Agency first. For most hobbyists, buying captive-bred native fish from specialist dealers is the simplest and most ethical route.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a licence to keep sticklebacks?
No. Three-spined sticklebacks are not on the prohibited species list under the 2014 Order and can be kept without a licence, provided you source them legally - either captive-bred or with wild-collection permission from the Environment Agency.
Can I catch native fish from my local river?
Not without permission. The Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975 requires Environment Agency consent to take fish from wild waters in England, even common species like minnows and sticklebacks. Collecting without permission is an offence that can result in prosecution.
Are native UK fish harder to keep than tropical species?
Not necessarily, but they have different requirements. Many UK native fish are coldwater species that need cooler temperatures (10-18C) and specific water parameters. They do not need a heater in most UK homes, but they do need good filtration and stable conditions.
What tank size do I need for native fish?
It depends on the species. A 60-litre tank works well for small species like sticklebacks and minnows. Larger fish like European perch need at least 100 litres for a single adult, with more space for groups.
Can I mix native UK fish with tropical species?
Generally no. Native UK fish are coldwater species, while tropical fish require warmer water (24-28C). The temperature requirements are incompatible for most combinations, and mixing them would compromise the welfare of one group.
Mark writes about pet products and habitats for WhoPets โ from dog gear to aquariums. He has kept freshwater aquariums for over 8 years and compares pet gear against real-world use, not just spec sheets.
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Last reviewed: 8 September 2026 ยท Evidence-based content ยท Contains affiliate links