COMCOR 05.00.02 Possession, Sale, or Release of Northern Snakehead Fish
Chapter 5. Animal Control - Regulations
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 05.00.02.01 (2026)
05.00.02.01 DefinitionsLinkCopy Citation
A. Northern Snakehead Fish - For purposes of this temporary regulation, “Northern Snakehead fish,” means any fish or the species, Channa argus, or other members of the genus Channa or Parachanna.
B. Person - The term “person” has its common meaning and includes a commercial retail or wholesale establishment, such as a pet store or a business selling live fish.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 05.00.02.02 (2026)
05.00.02.02 ApplicabilityLinkCopy Citation
These regulations apply only to the possession, sale or release of live Northern Snakehead Fish. Nothing is intended to prevent the sale or possession of dead Northern Snakehead Fish intended for human consumption on the premises by licensed retail food establishments.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 05.00.02.03 (2026)
05.00.02.03 Possession, Sale, or Release of Northern Snakehead Fish ProhibitedLinkCopy Citation
(a)
Except as provided in Section 4, a person may not possess or sell a live Northern Snakehead fish.
(b)
A person may not introduce or release, or possess for introduction or release into any waters in the County a live Northern Snakehead fish.
(c)
Any person possessing a live Northern Snakehead fish must humanely dispose of the fish.
(d)
Any person violating this regulation is guilty of a Class A violation.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 05.00.02.04 (2026)
05.00.02.04 EnforcementLinkCopy Citation
The Animal Services Division of the Montgomery County Department of Police is responsible enforcement of this regulation and may seize or impound and humanely dispose of any fish subject to this regulation.