07/06/2026
🐟🚫 Don't Let Your Pet Become an Aquatic Invader!
Did you know that releasing pet fish into lakes, rivers, ponds, or wetlands can harm Minnesota's waters?
Goldfish and other aquarium fish may seem harmless, but once released into the wild, they can survive, reproduce, and grow much larger than many people expect. Large populations can stir up sediment, reduce water quality, compete with native fish for food and habitat, and disrupt healthy aquatic ecosystems.
Aquatic invasive species (AIS) threaten our lakes and rivers by impacting native plants and wildlife, recreation, and water quality. One simple way to help protect Minnesota's waters is never release aquarium fish, bait, or other pets into the wild.
If you can no longer care for a pet fish:
🐠 Return it to a pet store if possible.
🐠 Rehome it with another aquarium owner.
🐠 Contact a local aquarium club or animal organization for assistance.
Every action we take helps protect the waters we all enjoy.
🎥 Check out the video below to learn why releasing pet fish is a growing concern in Minnesota and how you can help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Goldfish, often illegally introduced by well-meaning pet owners, ar...
