Researchers at Lake Tahoe found a giant goldfish that was nearly 1.5 feet long and 4.2 pounds. [Go To CBSNews.com to see pics.] Biologists believe that the monster goldfish was dumped by a pet owner, but instead of dying from the winter waters in the freshwater lake, more and more goldfish appear to be surviving and multiplying.
"During these surveys, we've found a nice corner where there's about 15 other goldfish," environmental scientist Sudeep Chandra of the University of Nevada, Reno, told LiveScience. "It's an indication that they were schooling and spawning."
Because goldfish are an invasive species, researchers fear that they will upset the natural equilibrium at the lake and cause the waters to become murky in turn.
"We know that we have a giant goldfish, the question now becomes how long has it been there and how many others are there in the lake?" Dr. Chandra told NBC affiliate KCRA-TV.
"The invasion is resulting in the consumption of native species," added Chandra. In addition, the fish excrete nutrients that cause algal blooms that can potentially muddy Tahoe's clear waters.
Not only is aquarium dumping a problem at Lake Tahoe, but it is a widespread issue in the United States and around the world.
In order to prevent the disruption of an ecosystem, biologists advise aquarium owners to be more careful when disposing of unwanted fish and other animals. "It's pretty simple: Don't dump your fish," said Sue Williams told OurAmazingPlanet, a sister site of LiveScience, in January. Instead, she suggests calling the pet shop that sold the fish or your state Department of Fish and Wildlife.