The Negative Impact Goldfish Have on Freshwater Life

Growing in size and numbers in lakes and rivers, goldfish threaten native species and can cause ecological damage.

By Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi
Apr 29, 2022 4:00 PM
Goldfish
(Credit: Andrej Jakubik/Shutterstock)

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

Flushing fish to freedom is a common cartoon theme, but has become a growing global problem for rivers or lakes. In 2003’s Finding Nemo, a Moorish idol trapped in an aquarium yearningly tells Nemo that, “all drains lead to the ocean.” The movie prompted viewers to flush their fish, or set them free in bodies of water.

Goldfish in particular are an invasive species that are thriving in freshwater, but causing ecological damage and endangering native species. In the Niagara River, officials pulled out a 14-inch goldfish. In Minnesota, the city of Burnsville displayed an 18-inch goldfish found in Keller Lake, and wildlife officials in Carver County caught as many as 50,000 pounds of goldfish living in multiple lakes.

Wildlife conservationists are trying to stop goldfish from taking over rivers and lakes. However, the lack of research as to how goldfish live in the wild is a major challenge for this task. Up until the last decade, there have been few studies on how goldfish migrate and spawn in the wild. Wildlife officials need this data to stop goldfish from taking over and causing permanent damage.

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Shop Now
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2024 Kalmbach Media Co.