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A few pacus were found in an Illinois lake by fisherman. They were first thought to be pirahnas, and the local tourists were afraid to visit the lake. Even though it has been announced that the fish have been identified as Pacus, there are still tourists that are wary to jump back into the water. Presumably, the fish that was captured in Lake Lou Yaeger had been someone's aquarium pet before being illegally dumped into the lake.
Normally I don't jump on this pedestal, but I think this is another reason why we really need to be careful when it comes to researching fish before purchasing. Though it is presumed that the Pacu won't be able to survive the winters in Illinois, there is always still that possibility, and it's another strike against aquarists to the general public. I know that there is no way to keep everyone from dumping their fish, but by giving the always wise advise to "Research before purchase" to those new to the hobby is the best way to avoid it.
Not only do I think that this is the aquarist's fault, but I also blame the big chain pet stores that sell these fish that grow to large proportions(Common Plecos, Bala sharks, pacus, frontosa off the top of my head) to unsuspecting novice aquarium keepers. I think that all of the fish listed above should have to be ordered from an actual fish store, or breeders(though it might make it a bit more expensive). I can't tell you how many times I have been at my local petsmart and heard a small child getting their first 10g aquarium and their parents say "Let's get a sucker fish". I cringe every time, both for the fish, and the parents.
A few pacus were found in an Illinois lake by fisherman. They were first thought to be pirahnas, and the local tourists were afraid to visit the lake. Even though it has been announced that the fish have been identified as Pacus, there are still tourists that are wary to jump back into the water. Presumably, the fish that was captured in Lake Lou Yaeger had been someone's aquarium pet before being illegally dumped into the lake.
Normally I don't jump on this pedestal, but I think this is another reason why we really need to be careful when it comes to researching fish before purchasing. Though it is presumed that the Pacu won't be able to survive the winters in Illinois, there is always still that possibility, and it's another strike against aquarists to the general public. I know that there is no way to keep everyone from dumping their fish, but by giving the always wise advise to "Research before purchase" to those new to the hobby is the best way to avoid it.
Not only do I think that this is the aquarist's fault, but I also blame the big chain pet stores that sell these fish that grow to large proportions(Common Plecos, Bala sharks, pacus, frontosa off the top of my head) to unsuspecting novice aquarium keepers. I think that all of the fish listed above should have to be ordered from an actual fish store, or breeders(though it might make it a bit more expensive). I can't tell you how many times I have been at my local petsmart and heard a small child getting their first 10g aquarium and their parents say "Let's get a sucker fish". I cringe every time, both for the fish, and the parents.
. No, I don't think that the stores having these fish for sale means that they are responsible for the purchaser's decisions. What I was trying to really express:
