Nevada Department of Wildlife asks gift buyers to consider the future before buying aquatic pets
That colorful fish looks pretty in that store aquarium, and you cannot help but think how much your friend or loved one might enjoy such a pet, but the Nevada Department of Wildlife is hoping you will stop and think about the animal’s future before laying down your hard-earned cash.
In other words, consider what is going to happen to that pet if it is no longer wanted.
“When it comes to conserving Nevada’s endemic fish species, one of the biggest challenges we face comes from aquatic pets,” said Brandon Senger, supervising fisheries biologist for NDOW. “We have a real problem with people releasing their unwanted aquarium fish, turtles and other aquatic pets into waters inhabited by endemic fish. Some of which are already endangered.”
The problem is that once these nonnative species are released, they often reproduce and then outcompete native species for available resources. In some cases, they will prey on those species already struggling to survive.
For example, Lake Harriet, located within Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, once housed Nevada’s largest poolfish population numbering more than 15,000 fish. Following the illegal introduction of crayfish and mosquitofish, that number dropped to 362 within a year.
On the other hand, a pet released into the wild might very well become prey themselves or simply die because the wild environment is so different from their aquarium setting.
“One of the best things people can do is think twice before they purchase an aquatic pet for themselves or somebody else. It is important that they consider what will happen to the animal when it is no longer wanted. Ditching their fish in the wild is not an option. Not only is it unethical and inhumane but it is also illegal. Instead, the animal should be returned to a pet store, re-homed with someone who is able to care for it, or otherwise disposed of responsibly,” Senger said.
More information about the negative impacts of releasing unwanted pets into the wild, as well as resources for finding a new home for unwanted pets, can be found online at https://www.dontletitloose.com/state/nevada/.
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, and promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. Find us on Facebook, Twitter or visit us at ndow.org.