NEVER release an aquarium fish into the wild.

[Polypterus]

Crayfish plague is a disease that occurs when a non-native species is introduced into the wild. Releasing redclaws (from Australia) into the Chesapeake Bay (MD) would cause this plague. It is fatal and there is no cure.

"Crayfish plague" is a pathogen that is normally carried by North American crayfish and has adversely affected crayfish populations in Europe and elsewhere. it would not affect NA populations (in general) nor would it be spread from an invasive or exotic being released here.

It is however a perfect example of how a particular pathogen can be transmitted by release of invasive exotics pests. Just the above example is not how.. In this case think Signal crayfish (A NA species) released into Europe...

 

[Drykerzen]

agreed, let the pet go to a good home.

 

[MyNameIsAnna]

i agree

 

[Acestro]

Unfortunately the Florida situation is getting worse. There are species that are getting outside of the canals and expanding into natural areas. The Mayan cichlid is one such example, now found in mangroves in Florida bay. It's only a matter of time before more and more species adapt to life outside of canals... then you wont have the same ol' Florida anymore. Cichlids are aggressive and territorial (we all should know that) and my research is showing how they negatively interact with native fish (in particular bluegill).

We just had a great discussion on all this at Tropical Resources (the forum for TFH magazine). It should be up in a few weeks (after they edit the chat). Of course there's my recent article in the October TFH as well if you want more info.

 

[slick216]

Well spoken.....I agree 100%.

 

[Brackishbandit]

I live in miami and it is not strictly enforced if you played dumb you can have any thing and if the officer knew that it was restricted in first place . but resricted does not mean non native.(http://floridafisheries.com/Fishes/prohibited.html)Some non native in the glades. Chiclids, Knife,Cats ect ... are up for legal grabs most are healthy (http://floridafisheries.com/Fishes/non-native.html),quarantine put in tank, have a 4lbs. oscar in matter of sec. literally.

 

[Brackishbandit]

In the glades are the most amount of non native in US. Check my links, and those that have most effect where placed by the government to control other species that where released in the glades from people whose fish outgrew tank or from drain out of comm ponds .

 

[ronald]

i agree ki8ll them or they gonna kill our wild life, just like the janitor fish in philippines suck them!!!!!!!

 

[bubblereef]

my cichlids would ruin the local pond

 

[ccdoido]

I agree