fish and x-rays of checked-in luggage

[Randy Carey <carey@spacestar.net>]

One way that aquarists get new species is to buy some fish while traveling 
and bring them back on the airplane.  In the past, I learned that the x-ray 
machines used for carry-ons did not sterilize the fish -- fish going 
through these machines could spawn and produce viable fry.

But with random inspections of passengers and their carry-ons (conducted in 
response to 9/11), I thought that it would be much less hassle for one to 
pack the fish in the checked luggage.  (I was detained for a half hour in 
March with a carry-on containing fish.)

Recently, a new law requires that all checked-in luggage must be 
x-rayed.  I've heard that these x-ray machines are harsher than those used 
for carry-ons, for instance, the strong x-rays destroy film.

My question:  Does anyone have any first hand experience with fish that 
have traveled in checked-in luggage that was x-rayed by the new 
machines?  Has anyone yet been able to verify that their fish have spawned 
and produced living fry?

I suspect that it is too early into this new airport policy for anyone to 
have proof.  But I assume most on this list have a vested interest in the 
answer.  Perhaps some of us need to experiment and report back.

--Randy


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