There are many urban myths about what can happen to water-friendly pets when you flush them down the toilet. Need I mention monster alligators living in the sewers? However, when it comes to goldfish, this brightly colored little swimmer is finding its way from city toilets all the way into local lakes and water systems. So how is this possible? After all, aren’t they being flushed as part of a rather unceremonious funeral? Well, yes this is the case, but here’s the rub — they’re not always dead! Before you flush your little orange friend into oblivion, make sure he’s dead, or the consequences could be dire! (1)
Goldfish Invasions
In the immortal words of Monty Python and the Holy Grail’s ill-fated plague victim, if your goldfish isn’t “dead yet” it could make its way into local waters. In fact in Washington state, thousands of former pet goldfish have invaded West Medical Lake. According to the Department of Fish and Wildlife, it just took a few careless flushes to create an eco-disaster that is eating up the local fish population. Apparently, it will cost about $150,000 to contain this new breed of feral goldfish. (1)
There are reports of goldfish invasions in many parts of the world including Epping Forest, London, waters in Alberta, Canada, and the popular vacation spot Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Lake Tahoe’s fish population has more than half considered invasive species. (1)
Goldfish World’s Most Invasive Species?
Yep, it’s hard to wrap your head around this fact. Goldfish are one of the most invasive fish species in the world. That’s putting hundreds of other species at risk, which could lead to an ecological disaster. Although the goldfish commonly seen flitting about listlessly in their home fishbowls are small, once they hit the open waters, these babies can grow gigantic. And with their enormous size comes an enormous appetite. They feed on a veritable underwater buffet of other fish, a little salad bar of plant life, some appetizers by way of insects, and even some crustaceans. (1)
While these massive invaders eat their way through everything, they are creating further issues. As they feed, they’re constantly kicking up mud and sediment, releasing harmful algae blooms infamous for choking ecosystems. (1)
Don’t Flush Your Goldfish
The only way to put the brakes on this goldfish invasion conundrum is simply to stop flushing live goldfish down the toilet. Burying your fish in a more reverent manner is the safest way to avoid invasion. However, since rumors of many goldfish deaths are greatly exaggerated, you might want to make certain the poor thing is actually dead. To confirm your goldfish is dead: (1, 2)
- Poke your goldfish with your net to see if he moves
- Check to see if there is any sign of movement around the gills or their eyes
- Examine the color of the goldfish especially around the eyes for signs of gray discoloration
- See if their eyes appear sunken
If you’re sure your goldfish is dead, bury him at least a foot down and place a rock on top. You can also put them in a baggie and place them in the garbage. But that’s just mean. (1, 2)
