If you think your pet goldfish will have a better life in a local pond, Alberta officials have one message: don’t let it loose.
The Government of Alberta is using a photo of a massive goldfish pulled from a stormwater pond in Okotoks to remind Albertans not to release unwanted aquarium pets into the wild.
The fish, recovered from the Drake Landing stormwater pond, measured about 30 centimetres long and weighed 2.4 pounds, roughly the size of a dinner plate.
Alberta officials say goldfish released into ponds, including local storm ponds like those found throughout Cochrane neighbourhoods, can grow much larger than expected, multiply quickly and harm native fish and aquatic ecosystems.
“Goldfish and other invasive fish are among Alberta’s most disruptive aquatic invasive species, posing significant risks to native ecosystems when left unchecked,” the province said in a news release.
Don’t let it loose
According to Alberta’s new Don’t Let It Loose awareness campaign, invasive fish compete with native species for food, destroy aquatic plants and reduce water quality as their populations grow.
The campaign encourages Albertans never to release aquarium pets, aquatic plants, live bait or other non-native species into Alberta’s waterways.
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The issue has been seen before. In 2023, the City of Calgary drained two lakes after invasive goldfish populations took over, and later installed fencing to help prevent future releases.
The province is also reminding Albertans that it is illegal to move live fish from one body of water to another. Violators can face fines of up to $100,000 and as much as one year in jail.
Officials say a single released goldfish can produce an estimated 40,000 offspring within three years, making early reporting and prevention critical.
Anyone who spots an invasive aquatic species in Alberta is encouraged to report it to provincial authorities.
