Latest news with #pondLoach
CTV News
27-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Invasive pond loach found in N.S.
Invasive pond loach found in N.S. Fisheries and Oceans Canada says an invasive type of fish called a pond loach has been found in Nova Scotia.
CTV News
26-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Invasive fish captured in N.S. is first of such species found in Atlantic Canada
Fisheries and Oceans Canada says an invasive type of fish called a pond loach, seen in this handout image, has been found in Nova Scotia, marking the first such finding in Atlantic Canada. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Fisheries and Oceans Canada NEW GERMANY — Fisheries and Oceans Canada says an invasive type of fish called a pond loach has been found in Nova Scotia, marking the first such finding in Atlantic Canada. A single, egg-bearing, female Oriental Weatherfish, or pond loach, was found in Morgans Falls, near New Germany, N.S., the federal department said in an emailed statement Monday. Fisheries and Oceans Canada said the fish species is native to eastern Asia, and that the one captured on April 29 was likely introduced to Nova Scotia after being released from an aquarium. Invasive species, such as the pond loach, are a problem because of the disruption they can cause to habitats and ecosystems. Pond loach can reproduce quickly, and once the fish is established in a new habitat, it may compete with native species for food, or prey on them directly. Releasing any aquatic species into a body of water where it is not native, unless authorized by federal, provincial or territorial law, is illegal under the federal Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations. 'To help prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species, do not let loose any aquatic species into a new body of water, down the drain, or into the sewers,' reads the statement from Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO). The pond loach is brown or dark green with dark scattered speckles and a light-coloured underside. It has a long, cylindrical, eel-like body, that can measure between 10 and 25 centimetres in length. The fish also has between six and eight barbels, or whiskers, around its mouth. The fish prefer slow-moving, muddy or silty habitats, but the can survive in a range of environmental conditions. The pond loach has also been reported in southern British Columbia, the federal department said, but is not known to occur anywhere else in Canada. The DFO said it has not received any other reports of this species in Nova Scotia, and there are no loach species that are native to the province. If anyone suspects they have seen a pond loach, the DFO is asking them to report it, with pictures, if possible, to its aquatic invasive species division. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 26, 2025. The Canadian Press
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Invasive fish species reported in Nova Scotia for first time, DFO says
An invasive fish species has been found in a small waterway north of New Germany, N.S., according to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. A single egg-bearing Oriental weatherfish, also known as pond loach, was discovered in Morgans Falls last month. The fish originate in East Asia, and this is the first time the species has been reported in the Maritimes. DFO said the fish was likely introduced after being released from an aquarium. Ken Donnelly, the supervisor of the Nova Scotia Invasive Species Council, said when an invasive species makes its way into ecosystems, it's often due to human activity. He said pond loach are a popular aquarium species and can cause issues when released into bodies of water the fish aren't known to be in. "There are good intentions by people when they let animals go into the wild," Donnelly said, "but they should never, never do it. It's just a recipe for disaster." Donnelly said releasing a new species can cause habitat destruction and unnecessary competition for food and resources, which in turn can reduce populations. Pond loaches are freshwater fish described as having an elongated, eel-like body, with a small mouth that has six to eight barbels, or whiskers. The fish are light brown to green with scattered dark speckles and a light underbelly. In a statement, DFO said pond loach has also been reported in southern British Columbia, but they are not aware of its presence anywhere else in Canada. Unless authorized by law, it's illegal to release an aquatic species into a body of water that it's not native to. MORE TOP STORIES
CBC
25-05-2025
- Climate
- CBC
Invasive fish species reported in Nova Scotia for first time, DFO says
An invasive fish species has been found in a small waterway north of New Germany, N.S., according to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. A single egg-bearing Oriental weatherfish, also known as pond loach, was discovered in Morgans Falls last month. The fish originate in East Asia, and this is the first time the species has been reported in the Maritimes. DFO said the fish was likely introduced after being released from an aquarium. Ken Donnelly, the supervisor of the Nova Scotia Invasive Species Council, said when an invasive species makes its way into ecosystems, it's often due to human activity. He said pond loach are a popular aquarium species and can cause issues when released into bodies of water the fish aren't known to be in. "There are good intentions by people when they let animals go into the wild," Donnelly said, "but they should never, never do it. It's just a recipe for disaster." Donnelly said releasing a new species can cause habitat destruction and unnecessary competition for food and resources, which in turn can reduce populations. Pond loaches are freshwater fish described as having an elongated, eel-like body, with a small mouth that has six to eight barbels, or whiskers. The fish are light brown to green with scattered dark speckles and a light underbelly. In a statement, DFO said pond loach has also been reported in southern British Columbia, but they are not aware of its presence anywhere else in Canada. Unless authorized by law, it's illegal to release an aquatic species into a body of water that it's not native to.
