Risks associated with the global demand for novel exotic pets: A new and emerging trade in snakehead fish (Channa spp.) from India

Ornamental fish keeping is a popular hobby worldwide, supporting significant global aquarium industry. Using export records of live snakeheads (Channa spp.) from India, we show six-fold increase in the numbers these (wild-sourced, freshwater) species exported worldwide between 2014 and 2019, driven by an exports West Bengal to China, Taiwan, Hong Kong. We highlight issues associated with exploitation poorly-known taxonomic group (in this case, genus Channa), that have restricted ranges, are rare, recently described, difficult for non-experts distinguish others, risks transport potentially invasive species. outline knowledge gaps relevant national-level management; more broadly, suggest fundamental change approach whereby traders ‘luxury’ wildlife products (e.g. exotic pets) required demonstrate trade sustainable safe, rather than conservationists it not.