If you're worried about CITES importation laws, don't fret. They only adhere to international boundaries.
I've actually met with some of my out-of-town customers at the airport while they were in the process of boarding on connecting flights. They usually opt to carry-on the livestock. Airport security is normally concerned with things that set off their metal detectors or their bomb detection techniques. Last I heard, neither coral or fish have been used in bomb making.
Doesn't hurt to check with your airline either.