Why you should not let your pet goldfish into a lake

STATES CHRONICLE – If you have a goldfish and you want to dump it into a lake, please do not.  We know that it does not seem to be a threat, but it can be, according to the latest news. Those creatures, who are loved by people all around the world, can be a real danger for us.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials saw an infestation of 4000 goldfish in a lake after someone was believed to have dumped a handful of pet goldfish into a nearby lake. It seems that the fish had begun taking over lakes after pet owners had let them there. You could think there is no problem. They are small, they can’t do any harm. The problem is they are growing to massive sizes. Some of them have more than 2 pounds. U.S. Forest Service all around the country reported finding big goldfish in lakes where people are letting them.

Officials think that goldfish could be a threat the natural ecosystem. They could start eating up everything that the native fish and birds can eat. This way, they can have a really negative effect down the road and many fish could be in danger because of them.

Researchers are trying to find out how the populations grew to such massive proportions. One reason is that when people let them free, they can travel long distances to feed. Moreover, it seems that the fish are migrating to wetlands to reproduce. So we should expect more goldfish and of course, a bigger threat.

Scientists are advising people not to let them go into lakes. Just letting go of a pet, no matter how small or beautiful you think it is, can cause a lot of harm to the natural ecosystem. Many people do not understand that  lakes are connected to the river and once the fish gets there, it can’t be stopped. If you do not want a pet anymore, it’s easier to take him to a shop or to give it to someone who wants it.

Pay attention that goldfish are carnivorous and they will eat other species. It can travel long distances and cause harm no matter where is it. Many people are not aware of the danger and let the fish into the water without thinking that it could be harmful to other species. Do not forget to not let the goldfish free, no matter where you live.

Image source: Pixabay