Monster Goldfish Found in Lake Tahoe
by Tanya Lewis and LiveScience
Published February 21, 2012 at ScientificAmerican.com
Goldfish are proving to cause significant problems for the ecosystem of Lake Tahoe in the United States. Aquarium dumping has released these organisms into their nonnative habitat, where they threaten the ecological organization of the lake, famous for its clear waters. Researchers study the lake recently discovered several large goldfish, measuring 1.5 feet long and weighing 4.2 pounds. According to scientist Sudeep Chandra of the University of Nevada, Reno, they have, "found a nice corners where there's about 15 other goldfish... [and there's] indication that they were schooling and spawning." The introduction of this new invasive species greatly threatens the local ecosystem. First of all, it introduces a new predator for native fish and this could lead to an increase resource competition. Secondly, the fish release certain nutrients that cause algae blooms, which can be disastrous for an ecosystem and prevent aquatic plant growth. Aquarium dumping has become a serious issue in the United States. According to researcher Sue Williams, "Globally, the aquarium trade has contributed a thirds of the world's worst aquatic and invasive species." Studies have also shown that 20-69 percent of Texan fish owners dispose of unwanted fish in local ecosystems. Aside from this, aquaculture, live seafood, live baiting, and fishing and recreation vessels are also leading to the introduction of nonnative species to local environments.
The introduction of invasive species into new ecosystems is a very serious issue which threatens the local populations. The goldfishes' presence in Lake Tahoe could prove fatal to many native organisms. Algae blooms are known for greatly harming habitats and leading to the rapid reduction of aquatic plant growth, removing a vital group from the food pyramid. Another interesting aspect of this story is the rate at which the fish adapted to their environment. Normally, the fish are very small; in Lake Tahoe, they grew to astonishing sizes, showing that significant mutations have taken place. By educating the general population about the dangers of invasive species introduction, as well as the importance of conserving local ecosystems would greatly lead to the reduction of aquarium dumping. In conclusion, the introduction of nonnative species to new environments could greatly harm the local ecosystems and actions should be taken to educate the public of those dangers.
by Tanya Lewis and LiveScience
Published February 21, 2012 at ScientificAmerican.com
Goldfish are proving to cause significant problems for the ecosystem of Lake Tahoe in the United States. Aquarium dumping has released these organisms into their nonnative habitat, where they threaten the ecological organization of the lake, famous for its clear waters. Researchers study the lake recently discovered several large goldfish, measuring 1.5 feet long and weighing 4.2 pounds. According to scientist Sudeep Chandra of the University of Nevada, Reno, they have, "found a nice corners where there's about 15 other goldfish... [and there's] indication that they were schooling and spawning." The introduction of this new invasive species greatly threatens the local ecosystem. First of all, it introduces a new predator for native fish and this could lead to an increase resource competition. Secondly, the fish release certain nutrients that cause algae blooms, which can be disastrous for an ecosystem and prevent aquatic plant growth. Aquarium dumping has become a serious issue in the United States. According to researcher Sue Williams, "Globally, the aquarium trade has contributed a thirds of the world's worst aquatic and invasive species." Studies have also shown that 20-69 percent of Texan fish owners dispose of unwanted fish in local ecosystems. Aside from this, aquaculture, live seafood, live baiting, and fishing and recreation vessels are also leading to the introduction of nonnative species to local environments.The introduction of invasive species into new ecosystems is a very serious issue which threatens the local populations. The goldfishes' presence in Lake Tahoe could prove fatal to many native organisms. Algae blooms are known for greatly harming habitats and leading to the rapid reduction of aquatic plant growth, removing a vital group from the food pyramid. Another interesting aspect of this story is the rate at which the fish adapted to their environment. Normally, the fish are very small; in Lake Tahoe, they grew to astonishing sizes, showing that significant mutations have taken place. By educating the general population about the dangers of invasive species introduction, as well as the importance of conserving local ecosystems would greatly lead to the reduction of aquarium dumping. In conclusion, the introduction of nonnative species to new environments could greatly harm the local ecosystems and actions should be taken to educate the public of those dangers.
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