‘Megalodon' goldfish found in Pennsylvania waterways
PRESQUE ISLE, Pa. (WTAJ) — 'Call me Megalodon,' the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) wrote about a massive pet goldfish found in Presque Isle this past week.
While conducting an electrofishing survey, the USFWS came across a larger-than-life pet goldfish that someone released into the waterway, creating what they call an 'invasive problem.'
Pennsylvania releases 2025 trout stocking schedule: what anglers need to know
'This goldfish isn't supposed to be here. But someone released it, thinking they were being kind,' they wrote in their post. 'Instead, they created an invasive problem that can last decades.'
Goldfish can grow massive and wreak havoc in the wild, including stealing food from native fish, turning lakes and waterways into murky messes, and ruining water quality. Some goldfish can grow to four pounds if released in the wild.
'If you can't keep your fish, rehome it. Just don't let it loose,' they added along with the hashtag InvasiveSpeciesWeek.
Officials also brought up that it's legal to use goldfish as live bait in 16 states, however, it is not legal in Pennsylvania, according to the PA Code.If you're looking to end things with your pet goldfish, the USFWS has a few tips to help you out with the big breakup. Click here to read more.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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