Albino Oscar Cichlid |
General: Tropical Aquarium Fish (several non-native species) have been released into springs and ponds around Las Vegas, especially the warm-water springs. These fish cause problems for native fish, such as pupfish, by eating them or competing with them for food, nest sites, and other resources. They also cause problems for native frogs (eating eggs and tadpoles) and native spring snails (eating them).
Never release non-native fish into natural ponds and springs. While it might feel good to "free willy," these non-native fish damage the ecosystem and cause tremendous harm to the native species that depend on springs and other water sources in the desert for survival. If you must release them, put them in neighborhood ponds or ponds on golf courses around Las Vegas. |