Let this be a warning to flush your next pet goldfish.
In western Australia, the ecosystem is being threatened by an otherwise harmless creature. The problem they are encountering, all along the waterways and streams of the coastline, is an invasion of gold.
This isn't just any gold either. Little goldfish that are growing too big to be taken care of are suspected of being set free by pet owners, with the best of intentions. However, the outcome of these acts is growing out of control, literally.
As you can see in this video, the fun of watching your little buddy swim free is over, because adult pet goldfish are driving native species to extinction.
Research on the Australian ecosystem has shown that up to 13 different invasive species have been introduced by intentional dumping. As it turns out, pet owners are the most likely culprit.
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