Goldfish
About This Species
Goldfish are one of the most widespread invasive fish in North America. New populations of goldfish are regularly found in southern BC, including the Lower Mainland, southern Interior and southern Vancouver Island regions. These are likely the result of released pets.
Goldfish thrive in brackish streams, ponds, and lakes with aquatic vegetation. They are tolerant to low oxygen conditions and can survive water temperatures between 0-41 °C. They are omnivores, and feed on a variety of crustaceans, insects, smaller fish, and vegetation. Goldfish are known to reduce the clarity of the waters they inhabit, which reduces the amount of sunlight reaching underwater plants. This causes habitat loss for native aquatic species.
How to Identify
Despite their name, Goldfish come in a variety of colours, from olive to silvery-white to gold and orange. Goldfish can interbreed with multiple species of carp, leading to a number of different body forms and colours. Large goldfish may resemble carp in appearance and colour, however in goldfish the dorsal fin is always longer than the head and goldfish never have barbels (whiskers).
When fully mature, Goldfish typically reach 15-20 cm long and weigh 100-300 g. The largest Goldfish reported have been up to 59 cm long and weighed 3 kg. The head lacks scales. The dorsal fin is long, going from the middle of the back almost to the tail.
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Aquariums & Water Gardens Factsheet -
If you need advice about invasive species on your property or you are concerned about reported invasives in your local area, contact your local government or regional invasive species organization.
PREVENTION TIPS
It is illegal to move fish between waterways in BC. The use of live finfish as bait is strictly prohibited in BC.
Don't Let It Loose
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Invasive species are plants, animals or other organisms that are not native to BC, and have serious impacts on our environment, economy and society. Never release your plants and animals into the wild or dump aquariums or water garden debris into rivers, streams, lakes or storm sewers!
Clean, Drain, Dry
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The Clean Drain Dry program empowers you to help reduce the spread of invasive plants and organisms to BC waters by following the clean, drain, dry procedure on all watercraft and equipment.
