Aquatic pest plants & fish

Releasing fish and aquatic weeds in natural waterways can be accidental or intentional.

Common problems are:

  • dumping aquarium collections into waterways such as goldfish, guppies, platys and water snails
  • introducing species as sport fish such as carp and tilapia
  • using pest fish as live bait
  • using non-native fish species in ornamental ponds which overflow into waterways.

Pest fish and plants can:

  • introduce parasites and diseases
  • adversely affect aquatic habitats
  • decrease native fish populations.

In Queensland, it is illegal to release noxious or non-native fish into our natural waterways. To learn more visit Queensland Government's Biosecurity webpage.

How can we prevent problems?

You can prevent problems caused by pest fish and aquarium plants by:

  • never disposing of aquarium collections within our natural waterways or lake systems
  • not releasing exotic species back into a waterway if caught while fishing
  • keeping aquarium collections in secure ponds
  • using native fish rather than exotic species
  • trading unwanted fish and plants with aquariums, pet shops or auctioning fish.

Learn more about invasive or high-risk pest fish.

Report a pest fish sighting

You can report sightings of pest fish to the Queensland Government by:

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