Man indicted for importing endangered fish

A federal grand jury in Atlanta indicted a 33-year-old man Tuesday on charges he tried to import live endangered Asian Bonytongue fish.

The 10 fish, which have a market value of $25,000, were discovered during a 2008 inspection of Qi Gui Nie’s shipments into the United States. A Fish and Wildlife inspector found the Bonytongue fish in hidden compartments, at the bottom of boxes that contained legally-imported fish.

Nie, a Charlotte-based wildlife importer, faces up to 30 years in prison and $500,000 in fines if convicted on all charges.

Commonly referred to as the Asian Arowana fish, “they are highly sought after by the Asian community because it is believed that the fish will bring good fortune and protection to the owner,” according to the U.S. Attorney’s office.

The fish are protected under the Endangered Species Act and through an international treaty.