Life finds a way: Your pet goldfish is bulking up in Lake Erie this winter
"If you can’t keep your fish, rehome it," U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services says. "Just don’t let it loose."
Giant goldfish are back in the news.
For decades, people have been releasing unwanted pet goldfish into Lake Erie, where they bulk up and can grow as large as a dinner plate.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) recently took to Facebook to remind the public to keep their pets out of the Great Lakes, warning that the fish can survive the cold winter conditions.
"This goldfish isn’t supposed to be here. But someone released it, thinking they were being kind," reads part of the statement, which features a USFWS official holding an enormous goldfish (pictured below).
"Instead, they created an invasive problem that can last decades."
Photo of Corey Ketchum/USFWS holding a goldfish found during an electrofishing survey in Presque Isle, PA. Photo by Matt Basista/USFWS (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service/Facebook)
A not-so-small problem
In many parts of North America, goldfish have no known predators and can quickly overwhelm an ecosystem.
Discarded goldfish have been known to grow to the size of a football or larger. Sure, they may start small in a household tank, but goldfish can balloon under the right conditions.
They tend to do most of their growing (and cause the most damage) during the summer months. But, as evidenced above, they're hardy enough to survive the winter and outcompete native species year-round.
According to Ontario's Invading Awareness Program, the fish stir up mud and debris when they feed, resulting in cloudiness that can negatively impact aquatic plants.
"If you can’t keep your fish, rehome it," U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services says.
"Just don’t let it loose."
Header image: Cheryl Santa Maria for The Weather Network. Elements via Canva Pro.