Summary:
Researchers' surveying the depths of Lake Tahoe found a 1.5 foot long and 4.2 pound goldfish. While on an escapade to search for
invasive species, these researchers' were able to unveil a small corner with 15 other goldfishes in that area; an indication that the goldfish
were schooling and spawning. Most likely dumped and introduced by aquarium owners, they are unaware of whether these monster goldfishes
were introduced while fully grown as adults, or if they were still small. Either way, the invasive species are dangerous to the lakes depths because
they excrete nutrients that cause algae bloom, thus, threatening to muddy Tahoe's clear waters.
Aquarium dumping has become a common practice, being responsible for a third of the world's worst aquatic and invasive species. Fish owners
are introducing hardy, nonnative aquatic species to California waters. These invaders include seaweed, tropical fish, and snails. One of the most
deadliest types of seaweeds, which excretes toxins that kill off fish, was eradicated from the lagoons of Southern California.
Researchers' surveying the depths of Lake Tahoe found a 1.5 foot long and 4.2 pound goldfish. While on an escapade to search for
invasive species, these researchers' were able to unveil a small corner with 15 other goldfishes in that area; an indication that the goldfish
were schooling and spawning. Most likely dumped and introduced by aquarium owners, they are unaware of whether these monster goldfishes
were introduced while fully grown as adults, or if they were still small. Either way, the invasive species are dangerous to the lakes depths because
they excrete nutrients that cause algae bloom, thus, threatening to muddy Tahoe's clear waters.
Aquarium dumping has become a common practice, being responsible for a third of the world's worst aquatic and invasive species. Fish owners
are introducing hardy, nonnative aquatic species to California waters. These invaders include seaweed, tropical fish, and snails. One of the most
deadliest types of seaweeds, which excretes toxins that kill off fish, was eradicated from the lagoons of Southern California.
Reflection:
Personally, I think finding a giant goldfish would be really cool. Especially in the clear waters of Lake Tahoe, where the biodiversity is high. But I
think because the species is invasive, and responsibilities can be placed in the hands of people, laws should be enforced to prevent invasive species
from being introduced via aquarium dumping. Because as cool as finding giant goldfishes in lakes can be, they can be detrimental to the other
organisms in the body of waters, as well as destroy the aesthetic factor. Aquarium dumping is also such a quiet topic, and not much people know
that even this is an issue, I think that although it is a far less known human impact, it does account for 1/3 of the world's invasive species. A simple
solution to the problem, is to stop dumping the aquarium fishes into bodies of waters where they do not belong; but unfortunately, convincing people
to stop is the issue.
Personally, I think finding a giant goldfish would be really cool. Especially in the clear waters of Lake Tahoe, where the biodiversity is high. But I
think because the species is invasive, and responsibilities can be placed in the hands of people, laws should be enforced to prevent invasive species
from being introduced via aquarium dumping. Because as cool as finding giant goldfishes in lakes can be, they can be detrimental to the other
organisms in the body of waters, as well as destroy the aesthetic factor. Aquarium dumping is also such a quiet topic, and not much people know
that even this is an issue, I think that although it is a far less known human impact, it does account for 1/3 of the world's invasive species. A simple
solution to the problem, is to stop dumping the aquarium fishes into bodies of waters where they do not belong; but unfortunately, convincing people
to stop is the issue.