Don't Flush That Goldfish Down The Toilet!

#1 Kids Love Goldfish

Almost everybody has owned a goldfish. They are usually a great first pet for a child. They help learn responsibility when it comes to caring and feeding. But kids grow weary of the once adorable goldfish and decide they have other things to do, or want a puppy.

#2 Hours Of Enjoyment

Having a cute fish in a bowl can provide many hours of enjoyment, and health experts say that by watching a fish swim around, you can relieve stress. Don't tell that to the cat, who is eager to pounce on it!

#3 Don't Flush Goldie

The majority of the time, the fish eventually gets flushed down the toilet, if it hasn't died already, since most only survive in a bowl, without proper nourishment, for about 9 months.

#4 They Are Thriving In Canadian Waters

The residents of the Alberta Province, Canada, might have thought it was a joke after receiving a message from the local government asking them not to flush their pet goldfish down their toilets. These innocent-looking fish seem to benefit from leaving the fish tank environment.

#5 Goldfish Are Multiplying In Cold Water

For some reason, they just keep multiplying in this area of Western Canada and can reach the size of a dinner plate. Experts are saying that the waters temperature and available food sources could be the reason for this phenomenon. Others are saying it's possible that there is some sort of pollutant in the waters that are causing the growth and multiplication.

#6 Invasive Species

Officials are concerned that the presence of the goldfish, which is considered an invasive species in those waters, threatens other aquatic creatures. Officials testing the water have pulled out over 40 different species of fish that are not indigenous to that area. About a third of species found in these waters are from aquariums and could disrupt the entire wildlife system.

#7 Is This A Phenomenon?

This is the first time ever that such a phenomenon is reported. Not only because it's hard for them to survive being flushed through the system, but because they are multiplying at a rapid rate in the water and normally can't survive so far up North.

#8 A Danger To Native Species

They might seem cute and a great starter pet, but they can also be scary where they don't belong. The numbers are staggering, and the fish are also be a real danger for native species as they take their space and food.

#9 They Are Surviving & Mutiplying

Normally found only in warm waters and climate, the goldfish has officials and scientists concerned because they are SURVIVING and thriving in such cold temperatures. The rate of their growth and numbers of the population has tripled in recent years.

#10 Don't Flush It Campaign

The government is taking this campaign very seriously and has also warned residents about flushing DEAD goldfish, as these can be vectors for diseases and some parasites. To help control the problem, the Canadian government has began a "Don't Flush It" campaign to warn people of the hazards.

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