Never release exotic fish

Those interested in fish keeping need gain more knowledge about aquarium maintenance, community fish, disease prevention and control, treatment for sick fish, possible hazardous conditions that can be avoided through ‘good housekeeping’ and the care of exotic fish when kept as pets. This information is vital not only to the keeper but also to the fish and the environment as for the keeper it means a soul-satisfying hobby, for the fish it is a healthy, long life and for the environment it will be an eco-friendly form of survival and co-existence.

Understanding the term "Exotic fish"
An exotic fish belongs to certain species of wildlife that are non-indigenous species. This means that they do not occur naturally or are not naturalized in the environs of a country or particular area and are therefore considered as "foreigner fish" when found in a habitat that is not their ‘natural one’.

Why it is important to never release exotic fish
Exotic fish are actually foreigner fish and therefore probably migratory in nature; if found in an environment that is not their natural habitat, it is crucial to understand that they must never be released into it. Fish keepers must take necessary precautions to help prevent the spread of disease and turmoil to natural environment when exotic fish are released into an environment that is not their natural one and this also disturbs the ecosystem of the area apart from causing distress to the fish and organisms living there.

Your role in helping stop the invasion, spread and growth of disease: never release exotic fish
  • Take care never to release live fish purchased at a market, restaurant or from an aquarium into a lake, river, pond or stream. In most European and American countries, this is not only illegal but also harmful to aquatic ecosystems.
  • Take out time to learn more about different fish so that you do not commit this grave mistake that will have a series of serious consequences on the fish, natural environment and ecosystem. Learn more about identifying exotic fish and species other than the ones you own.
  • Help in stopping the spread of invasive species of exotic fish as these can damage the ecosystem of your area by diminishing the fish and flora needed by indigenous species.
  • Do not release exotic fish into the wild, including your neighborhood pond or any waters in the outskirts of the city. This one act of carelessness on your part can cause the species to wreak havoc once they have gained ground in a new habitat and cost millions in public funds to control.
  • Releasing exotic fish into new waters can cause the invaders to spread quickly, degrade the quality of aquatic resources and make waters unusable for boating, fishing and swimming. Some of these include plants and animals like zebra mussels, exotic milfoil and fish, which can easily be transported to new waters by boats, motors, trailers, fishing equipment, live wells, bait buckets, diving gear, and other aquatic recreational equipment.