“Megalodon” goldfish, trapped in Pennsylvania, shows how pets that are released into the wilderness can be invasive species

A massive “megalodon” of a goldfish that is trapped in Presque Isle, Pennsylvania, is a good memory of why people should not release their pets into the wilderness, says the US fish and wildlife service.

The Federal Authority shared a photo of a gigantic goldfish entitled “Your animal business goldfish in the wild after two years:” Call Me Megalodon “. The mail was viral with over 15,000 likes and almost 5,000 shares on Facebook.

The fish was found during an electrofishing examination in Presque Isle on the Eriesee, and the US fish and wildlife service informed him to raise awareness of the invasive week of species.

“This goldfish shouldn't be here. But someone published it who believed that he was friendly. Instead, they have created an invasive problem that can take decades,” said the agency.

Why are gold fish considered an invasive way?

While your goldfish now looks tiny, without a tank that limits its size, the fish and wildlife service can store in a “football size” candlestick.

According to the agency, an individual goldfish that is released into the wilderness can grow up to £ 4. The lower feeders stir sediments, uprooting plants, the water cloudy, disturbs aquatic ecosystems and make local fish and plants difficult to survive.

Goldfish also breed quickly and since they have no natural predators in most North American waters, their populations can “explode”, says the US fish and wildlife service.

How do you get rid of a goldfish?

“By making good decisions with your pets, you can help protect the lakes, rivers and wetlands from long -term damage,” says the agency on your website. “Letting a pet to the wild is never the right thing. Most pets that are released into the wilderness do not survive and many suffer before they die.”

If you no longer want your goldfish, try it again, give it to an animal business or call an aquarium or rescue group. The website does not solve it, helps the owners to find new houses for their pets.