WEST BATH – The owner of a Chinese restaurant in Freeport whose 10 exotic fish were seized by wardens two months ago pleaded not guilty Tuesday in District Court to one count of illegal importation of fish.

The judge set a Nov. 22 trial date for Cuong Ly, who is also appealing the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s denial of a permit to reclaim the 12- to 14-inch koi, a variety of carp that he says are his pets and have brought him good luck.