What can I do with excess goldfish that are 6" long and no one wants them?

Question

How badly would they mess up the natural balance of things if I let them go in the Potomac river?

(non serious answers are also welcome)

They are in my pond!!

Answer 1

better not release them into the Potomac.....they will breed with the other fish and the next thing you know you will be responsible for the evolution of fishies that take over the world

i think if were you I'd just keep them in my pond...its really cool watching them grow

or.....mail them to that chick in San Diego

hold on...because of Nippyfish.net's answer i now feel that it would be best to release them into the river.....the things she described sounds really cool

Answer 2

Release non-native aquaria into local water-ways is illegal.

Many aquarium fish will probably die (either by being ill-suited to the Potomac or due to winter water conditions). Some species can outcompete native wildlife and run rampant or disrupt the natural balance of the environment (like snakehead fish and certain cichlids, as an example).

Others can introduce pathogens into local waters

Try giving away your fish at a local petshop or get a larger tank for it (always know how BIG that little fish will get when you buy it)..

Answer 3

Releasing non-native fish into local waterways is not only criminal but also incredibly irresponsible and dangerous. To do so could expose native fish to any number of diseases or parasitic infestations. In addition to spreading disease it cause water quality problems and create unnatural competition among existing species. Goldfish could certainly survive in the Potomac and if they reproduce they could become impossible to eradicate.

As an alternative to release you can…

-Donate the fish to a local aquarium club, business, school or nursing home
-Give them to other hobbyists
-Bring them to the ASPCA or other animal shelter. (yes they will take your fish)
-Contact a veterinarian about humane euthanization

Please also note that flushing fish may have negative impacts on the environment and is not permitted by law. To flush a live fish is inhumane and punishable as “animal cruelty”.

Please don’t feel you are out of options. There are several online goldfish organizations where members will happily adopt your fish as an alternative to release.

For more information on the dangers of introducing non-native species to waterways visit

http://www.habitattitude.net/

Try some online goldfish forums at

http://www.goldfishparadise.com/
http://www.goldfishparadise.com/
http://www.aquariumadvice.com
http://www.fishforums.net
http://www.fishforums.com
http://www.aquamaniacs.net

Answer 4

so many people nowadays have a backyard pond, just advertise
them for sale or for free in your local paper, I'm sure you'll find a taker the first day

Answer 5

Grill 'em up. Goldfish are great this time of year. Get some corn on the cob and mashed potatoes. Mmmmmmm...

And with this answer, you have the distinct privilege of getting me to level 4.

Answer 6

If you have a outside pond, put them in that. Find a local park or cemetery that has a pond and release them in there.

Answer 7

have u called all the pet stores ?place an ad for kids to give away goldfish,ask friends who have kids .

Answer 8

Umm not a terribly sensitive thing to suggest but I am looking to learn how to make sushi with raw fish.

Answer 9

just buy a few cats and leave them in the same room for a couple of days that should take care of them real quick

Answer 10

Put them into a pond. When I was a kid we put our large goldfish into a pond near our house. Now there are so many of them.