California man admits illegally importing protected fish

LOS ANGELES – A Southern California man has pleaded guilty to a federal charge of illegally importing protected aquarium fish from Indonesia.

Shawn Naolu Lee and a co-defendant overseas were indicted last year after authorities found a package containing eight Asian arowana. The colorful freshwater fish can sell on the black market for $1,000 each and are thought in some cultures to bring good luck.

City News Service reports that Lee entered his plea Wednesday in Los Angeles. Prosecutors are recommending the Garden Grove resident get six months’ house arrest when he’s sentenced in July.