Keep goldfish out of waterbodies

While dumping unwanted goldfish or other aquarium fish into a lake, pond or stream, may seem like a good thing, it’s just the opposite. Goldfish and other aquarium fish can harm and even kill native fish and plants. Once nonnative fish get into a waterbody, it’s difficult and costly to remove them. 

Goldfish are particularly harmful. They muddy the waters and disturb ecosystems. Besides being destructive, goldfish are hardy enough to survive Minnesota winters. Goldfish are similar to carp and share many of the same behaviors. See carp removal story above.

If you have unwanted goldfish or other aquarium fish, check with your fish shop or pet store about disposal options.

Call 952-563-8748 to report sightings of goldfish in local waterbodies.