10/06/2025
This is an excellent example as to why you should NEVER 🙅🏼♂️🚯 release any aquarium fish back into the wild! If you have fish you need to move on or re-home always contact your local aquarium or pet store to see if surrendering your fish is an option. Here at Annerley Aquarium we do take in surrendered fish and if you ever find yourself in this situation please contact the store.
🐟 We were recently alerted to several suspected exotic cichlids released into a park pond in Charters Towers. 🚨
The invasive fish were found to be aggressive and territorial towards each other and native turtles in the pond.
While the pond had no direct outflow, heavy rain raised concerns about water overflow into stormwater drains leading to the Burdekin River.
Acting quickly, we worked with Charters Towers Regional Council to drain the pond, removing cichlids along with other ornamental species, preventing the spread of these pest fish into other freshwater systems.
Never release unwanted aquarium fish, weeds, or invertebrates into local creeks, ponds, or waterways. They can become serious pests or spread diseases. 🚫
Better options include:
🐟 Gift them to a friend
🐟 Post on social media to find a new home
🐟 Rehome your fish by taking them to an aquarium store or pet shop.
📖 Learn more about the impacts of tank tipping 👉 https://brnw.ch/21wTj3j
