It may surprise you, but that small pet goldfish in your home aquarium has the potential to become a serious threat if released into local lakes, rivers, or ponds. Goldfish are one of many species that can outcompete native fish and disrupt ecosystems when let loose into the wild.
Goldfish are hardy, adaptable, and capable of surviving BC winters. Once established, they reproduce quickly, stir up sediment, eat plants and eggs, and reduce oxygen levels in the water. This creates poor habitat conditions for native species, including salmon and trout, and makes it extremely difficult to restore balance once they’ve taken hold.
A Real BC Example
This isn’t just a “what if.” In October 2024, the City of Campbell River had to take drastic action after discovering an invasive goldfish population in Erickson Stormwater Pond. Crews drained the pond, relocated native amphibians like salamanders and newts, and removed 1,700 goldfish. The scale of the problem shows how quickly these tiny pets can take over when released.
And it’s not just a BC issue—other provinces, like Alberta, have spent years removing tens of thousands of invasive goldfish from storm ponds. Once they spread, the cost and effort to control them is immense.
What You Can Do
The solution is simple: Don’t Let It Loose. Never release aquarium pets or unwanted plants into the wild. If you can no longer care for your pet:
Return it to the retailer or pet store.
Rehome it through an adoption program.
Contact a local rescue or aquarium club.
Learn about humane disposal options if rehoming isn’t possible.
Every action matters. By keeping pets and plants out of our waterways, you’re protecting BC’s lakes, rivers, and wetlands—and the salmon, trout, and countless other species that depend on them.
For more information and safe alternatives, visit bcinvasives.ca.