By Brooklynn Then, age 10.
A giant goldfish was found by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in Lake Erie last year. At first, it may seem harmless: just an overgrown fish. But it is more than that.
This huge fish was found as an invasive species to Lake Erie. “Without a tank limiting their size, goldfish that once fit in the palm of your hand can balloon into giant, football-sized invaders that compete with native species for food and habitat,” wrote the USFWS on social media.
The giant goldfish can also damage the water quality of the lake and introduce parasites to the water, while stealing food from many native fish. It can grow up to four pounds. It is also a voracious eater, which means it can eat the plants, fish and insects living near and inside the water, which can harm ecosystems. In the end, releasing your fish at first may seem like a good deed, but it can create long-lasting problems.
