Larger Schooling Fish-Blue Runners

[awwinterfall]

Anyone keep larger schooling fish such as grunts, pompanos and blue runners?

Is it legal to catch blue runners and keep as pets?

 

[eatbreakfast]

Collection laws vary from state to state. In most cases, as long as you're not reselling them it is fine, but you usually need a permit and still abide by size regulations. But check local laws.

The fish you're interested in need a lot of space.

What would your plans be when they outgrew the tank?

 

[Softhammer]

Here in Florida, blue runners and grunts are classified as an unrestricted species so generic limits of 100lbs harvest per day is legal. We commonly use them as bait, which is also legal so I don’t see any reason why you couldn’t keep them in a tank. They are not classified as a marine ornamental and all you need is a fishing license to collect them. Pompano would be a whole different story though.

 

[awwinterfall]

I live in jersey. Would love to get some and mix them with my larger butterflies, hamlets, tuskfish, angels, tangs and maroon clowns to create a unique display.

 

[awwinterfall]

How would I catch them after getting the permit.

Just fishing from the beach or a bridge? Is it better to rent a boat?

 

[awwinterfall]

If out grown, sell to other aquarist, pet stores or donate to aquariums.

Collection laws vary from state to state. In most cases, as long as you're not reselling them it is fine, but you usually need a permit and still abide by size regulations. But check local laws.

The fish you're interested in need a lot of space.

What would your plans be when they outgrew the tank?

 

[User1]

If out grown, sell to other aquarist, pet stores or donate to aquariums.

If you haven't done so I would highly recommend you checking around before thinking this is a valid option. You can't toss it back into the ocean (not saying you suggested this). Most aquarists will know it isn't common, not ornamental, nor have a tank large enough. Pet stores won't touch it because of the size. Public aquariums usually do not take in strays unless they are going to use it for fish food which means it never hits the water.

There are items that this is a bit different say if you had a large rare clam but usually fish in home aquaria unless it is rare in the collection side or something that fits some of the larger tanks and you rehome say a clown tang or something, easier time. These not so much. Once saw a lad take a bearded dragon he couldn't keep anymore to a pet store. Owner said ok reluctantly, turned, and tossed it into a boa's cage for dinner...lad was horrified. Go figure.

 

[Softhammer]

Blue runners are baitfish (really they are jacks) however I routinely see them up to 18” or more, they do get bigger than that. Seldom do I see any less than 6”. It is possible to catch them on what’s called a sabiki rig with tiny hooks. Be prepared for it to eat any and everything and chop it up for fish food when you have had enough of it. I’d go for it though if you have a enormous aquarium, they would look cool.

 

[User1]

Blue runners are baitfish (really they are jacks) however I routinely see them up to 18” or more, they do get bigger than that. Seldom do I see any less than 6”. It is possible to catch them on what’s called a sabiki rig with tiny hooks. Be prepared for it to eat any and everything and chop it up for fish food when you have had enough of it. I’d go for it though if you have a enormous aquarium, they would look cool.

I'm not a fisherman and didn't know what a sabiki rig was. I learned something new today. Thank you :)

 

[jsvand5]

I live in jersey. Would love to get some and mix them with my larger butterflies, hamlets, tuskfish, angels, tangs and maroon clowns to create a unique display.

How big of a tank are you talking about? They would need something giant as in public aquarium scale. Especially if you want to see shoaling behavior. I have always thought it would be cool to have a pond with ballyhoo in it though.

 

[happyhourhero]

If out grown, sell to other aquarist, pet stores or donate to aquariums.

Sale of collected sea life without a permit is prohibited and here in FL, they will come after you for that. Pet store won’t touch it because you also need an aquaculture permit which most do not carry. Public aquarium isn’t going to let you bring some bait in to put in their tanks.