A 48-year-old San Francisco man was indicted for allegedly smuggling an endangered Asian fish and selling it in the U.S. over the course of several years, according to the U.S. Attorney's office.
Bai Lin Huang was arrested and made an initial appearance Wednesday on suspicion that for several years, at least through 2005, he imported the Asian arowana, also known of the Asian bony tongue fish, from China and other parts of the Pacific Rim.
The indictment specifically charges that on April 8, 2005, Huang imported 26 of the arowana fish, but said they were Koi fish and did not have permits.
The fish is known as a beautiful, lucky fish and has been sold in the U.S. for aquariums for thousands of dollars.
Huang was released on a $100,000 bond and his next court date is scheduled for June 4.
