Dumping fish hurts local waterway habitats
RESIDENTS are being urged to dispose of unwanted pet fish responsibly this Christmas as concern grows over the impacts of pest fish in local waterways.
Condamine Alliance manger of water Carl Mitchell said people should return their unwanted fish to the pet shop they bought it from.
"We certainly don't want these fish flushed or dumped," he said.
Mr Mitchell said pet fish cause a number of issues in local waterways.
"Pest fish compete with native fish for food and habitat and their prolific breeding habits allow them to easily out-compete natives," he said.
According to Mr Mitchell a real concern for the Condamine River is a sub-specie of the African Cichlid called tilapia.
"The tilapia are a very invasive fish," he said.
"If they ever got through to the Condamine it would devastate our native fish stocks."
"Mollys and swordtails are also a problem for our small native fish in the Condamine."
Residents are advised to report any pest fish by phoning the DAFF hotline on 132 523.
