The astonishing discovery of gigantic goldfish causing chaos in local lakes may seem like a plot straight out of a retro science fiction movie, but the reality is far more striking. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has recently unveiled images of “massive” goldfish that have been let loose into the wild by their owners, highlighting the significant problems these fish can create in lakes and waterways.
“Your typical pet store goldfish, after just two years in the wild, transforms into a behemoth reminiscent of the mythical Megalodon,” quipped the federal agency in a Facebook post on February 25, alongside a photo depicting a USFWS ranger holding a goldfish the size of a football that was captured in Presque Isle, Pennsylvania.
“This goldfish doesn’t belong in this ecosystem. Yet, it was released by someone with good intentions, unknowingly triggering an invasive crisis that could persist for decades,” elucidated the agency.
In an effort to raise awareness during National Invasive Species Awareness Week, the USFWS emphasized how goldfish can undergo substantial growth in the wild, causing disruption to local ecosystems and posing harm to native fish populations.
The agency underscored how goldfish have the ability to transform lakes and waterways into turbid environments, outcompete native species for food, and degrade water quality.
A follow-up image shared by the USFWS showcased another ranger using both hands to hold an exceptionally large goldfish, accompanied by the caption “From cute to brute.”
Expanding upon the concept, the official USFWS website elucidated on the deceptive nature of goldfish, explaining that while they may appear innocuous in pet store tanks, they have the potential to become oversized invaders when released into the wild.
Moreover, in addition to disrupting fragile ecosystems and endangering native fish and plant species, goldfish in the wild also serve as carriers of detrimental parasites and diseases that can infect local fish populations.
The rapid reproductive rate of goldfish, coupled with the absence of natural predators in the wild, leads to exponential population growth, posing a serious threat to the ecological balance of aquatic environments.
The USFWS implores individuals who are no longer able to care for their pet goldfish to seek alternative solutions such as rehoming them, returning them to a pet store, or seeking assistance from local aquariums or fish rescue organizations, rather than releasing them into nearby lakes or waterways.
“Releasing a pet into the wild is never the correct course of action. The majority of pets released into the wild do not survive, and many endure suffering prior to their demise,” underscored the agency. “If they do manage to survive, your pet could potentially evolve into an invasive species that poses a threat to native wildlife.”
This article was originally featured on TODAY.com.
