I live in Minnesota and I have recently accepted two free goldfish from a biology teacher at a local school. I bought a 10 gallon aquarium that I thought I could keep them in with my beta, but I've found out that they don't like the temperature and that they grow too big. I refuse to let them die, but is it okay and safe for the fish for me to take them to a lake nearby and let them free? Do goldfish live in lakes? I've head that they dwell in icy rivers, how about icy lakes? I'm just worried about the winter and I want to make sure they'll have other fishy friends in there. Otherwise, where can I take them?
2007-09-19 14:54:29 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Fish
I would not let them loose into any waterway, as you could upset the eco-system. Same holds true with letting go crayfish, fiddler crabs, fresh water invertebrates. Perhaps you can find somewhere in your area which actually house goldfish, koi, etc. that people cannot keep anymore. This is usually a manmade lake of some sort. I know we have here in our town. Call your local offices and see if you can find out.
In the alternative, contact your pet shops that sell fish, they sometimes will take them off your hands.
This is just my opinion mind you, and not everyone will feel the same.
I hope this helps. Good luck!! ;o)
2007-09-19 15:07:02 · answer #1 · answered by MrsCrabs 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They will multiply in the lake and Native species buffs hate that, they will tell you the Goldfish will take over and eat all the habitat up for the sport fish that they want to fish for. Nuff said-let your spirit be your guide.Here is an article on Goldfish release in your State---Goldfish are a regulated invasive species in Minnesota, which means that they can be bought, sold, transported and possessed but not introduced into the wild. Despite the laws prohibiting their release, goldfish have managed to invade many lakes and streams in Minnesota, including Rock Pond, St. Louis County. Rock Pond is a small spring fed pond that empties directly into Tischer Creek. After the pond’s construction a fish community became established through natural and human aided dispersal of fish. In May of 2004 rock pond was drained in order to replace the outlet and to remove all the fish.
2007-09-19 16:23:56 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi T-Day, You obviously care a lot about your fishy friends but even thought they are members of the Carp family & could, in theory fend for themselves in the wild they are not indigenous so putting them in any natural water course will be detrimental to the eco system. If they do survive they will interbreed with the Carp population badly upsetting the food chain.
Best advice I can offer is advertise them on your local Freecycle group or Craig's List. Wait a few days until you have several replies to choose which one looks the best new loving home. Caring people will always tell you a little about themselves & where your fish will be living-don't necessarily give them to the first person who replies & especially beware of short replies-they may be after lunch for the their predatory pet fish.
You might, as a last resort take them to your local pet store but again beware-even if they accept them they may still become dinner. An adoptive home is almost always the best way to go in these situations. Best of luck.
2007-09-20 02:32:28 · answer #3 · answered by John 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have you ever fished in MN? If you have, then you'll know your little buddies will be nothing but fish food for their larger fishy 'friends' there. I'd bet any pond large enough not to freeze solid over winter will have predetors large enough to eat your fish.
Listen to the other posters and take them to a local pet store or put an ad in the paper.
2007-09-19 15:36:43 · answer #4 · answered by larsor4 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
NO PLEASE DO NOT.
Goldfish are basically carp. The biggest headache to park managers is continually having to take care of released pets. Gold fish, turtles, ducks, hamsters, rabbits, ferrets, snakes, parrots, even alligators and piranha (believe it or not). Even the animals that people think of as the same as the wildlife in the park, animals raised as pets cause problems.
Even worse is when a container for goldfish is dumped which can contain aquarium plants that completely choke out a pond.
the keyword for your search is "invasive species" or "feral pets"
2007-09-23 05:36:45 · answer #5 · answered by Gandalf Parker 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most states, if not all, have laws about releasing non native fish in their waters. The laws say no. Even catching and moving native fish from one body of water to another is usually illegal. Various reasons: spread of disease, new diseases, upset of ecosystem, others. Many states even outlaw fishing with live bait for fear the bait will come off the hook, survive and thrive.
Try donating to a school or library, or advertise free fish.
2007-09-20 10:10:24 · answer #6 · answered by TopPotts 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. You can contact local pet shops, or advertise them, and maybe find someone with a backyard pond that the goldfish can dwell in.
2007-09-19 15:22:08 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take them to a local pet store. Call first and ask if they will accept them. Usually chain stores will not, but smaller independant operators will.
2007-09-19 15:05:18 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
no he will be a wimp out there and will not know how to fend for himself give to a local pet store he will be very happy and you will probably most likely get credit in the store
2007-09-19 15:11:36 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋