What is the list of fish species considered “domestic”?

The decree of August 11, 2006, emanating from the Ministry of Ecology and Sustainable Development, establishes the list of species, breeds or varieties of domestic animals. This decree includes in annex a restrictive list of species considered to be domestic in France.

To date, according to French regulations, there are 5 species of domestic fish:

• The koi carp: Cyprinus carpio;
• The gold and Japanese fish: Carassius auratus;
• The domestic breeds and varieties of guppy: Poecilia reticulata;
• The domestic breeds and varieties of the danio: Brachydanio rerio (or Danio rerio);
• The domestic breeds and varieties of the fighter: Betta splendens.

To be able to carry out an activity professional related to animals of domestic species, the person responsible must demonstrate minimum skills supervised by the Certificate of Knowledge for Pets of Domestic Species (ACACED).

If a fish does not appear in this list it is considered by law French as a non-domestic animal. Possession of such an animal may be subject to possession of a Certificate of Capacity. The decrees of August 10, 2004establish the regime for keeping these animals.