A man who illegally imported endangered Asian arowana fish — a freshwater aquarium variety thought in some cultures to bring luck, prosperity and health — on a flight from Vietnam to Los Angeles is expected to plead guilty Tuesday to a felony charge.
Cory Pham, 43, of Sunrise, Florida, admitted importing five arowanas concealed in bags hidden in a plastic container in his luggage, according to his plea agreement filed in Los Angeles federal court. Pham did not declare the fish to customs officials at Los Angeles International Airport upon his arrival Oct. 5, prosecutors said.
He is expected to plead guilty before U.S. District Judge Manuel Real to a single federal charge of importing merchandise contrary to law.
The colorful arowana — also known as “arrows” and “dragon fish” — is protected by the Endangered Species Act and cannot legally be brought into the U.S. In some Asian communities, the fish is thought to bring wealth and protection to businesses, and some owners believe the fish can understand their thoughts. The fish can fetch hundreds of dollars on the black market in Los Angeles.
—City News Service