Giant goldfish invading Alberta waters

[Catherine]

Actually the goldfish are invading  most Canadian waterways. People tire of them as pets and flush or dump them. Goldfish are hardy little creatures and they can survive our winters.

They also live a long time and get very big!
Seriously, VERY BIG!

http://news.google.ca/news/url?sr=1&ct2=...124&at=dt0


This is a serious environmental problem. It is spreading and multiplying.  Goldfish can produce a lot of eggs and they do seem to survive.
http://news.google.ca/news/url?sr=1&ct2=...t=1&at=dt0

There is no easy way to get rid of them.

http://news.google.ca/news/url?sr=1&ct2=...t=1&at=dt0


This is another case of irresponsible pet ownership, but this time it has serious consequences for more than just the pet.

[Ruth]

I have seen large gold fish so know how big they can get. It's sad that they have become a problem. I hope something good can come of this.

[Catherine]

The goldfish in one picture was as big as a Jack Russell. I understand that goldfish just keep on growing their whole lives and they live a long time.  If they are  growing that big in ponds, what would happen if they got into a large lake. A goldfish in Lake Superior could grow to an alarming size.  They would also eat all the other fish's eggs and young fish and finally the fish themselves.  Just be glad that they can't survive in the ocean. I am picturing giant goldfish eating swimmers. Perhaps I am exaggerating or am I? 

When you turn something loose that has no predators you don't know how big or how bad the impact is going to be.  That harmless little fish in a bowl has more potential to cause an ecological disaster than anyone ever considered.
There are so many goldfish being dumped in local ponds and lakes. We need big indoor fish ponds set up as a drop off for unwanted goldfish. Some people will still dump their fish, but it would reduce the number.

I have no idea how they are going to solve this. Gold fish are hard to get rid of. All it takes is for a few eggs or small fry to survive and they will start multiplying all over.

This is yet another human created Eco disaster. The goldfish didn't ask for this. They are just trying to live.