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Aquarium Fish

Keep aquarium fish out of our waterways

For some people, an aquarium of brightly coloured exotic fish may eventually become a burden and an unwanted responsibility. Dumping the contents of an aquarium into the nearest stream or at the local beach is not the solution to the problem. A vast array of animals and plants has become established in the Australian environment since the beginning of European settlement. Some were released intentionally, others accidentally. While most of us are aware of the damage caused to the landscape by introduced non-native species like rabbits and foxes, many may not realise that our rivers and coastal waters are also under threat from a range of exotic aquatic invaders. Just like introduced land-based organisms, exotic fish, weeds and snails have the potential to establish populations and dominate river and marine habitats and significantly impact on the environment. Several aquarium species have established populations in Australia as a result of escaping or being released from ponds and aquariums, but fortunately very few cases have occurred in South Australia. A serious marine example is the invasive seaweed, Caulerpa taxifolia, while the goldfish is now widely distributed throughout freshwater systems in southeastern Australia, including South Australia.  

How do exotic fish impact on the environment?

If released aquarium fish and plants survive and reproduce in the wild, they are difficult, if not impossible, to control or eradicate. They can also:

  • Establish colonies that compete for available food supplies and habitat, and displace native fish populations.
  • Spread disease that may affect native fish and other aquatic fauna.
  • Alter habitat of native fauna and thus reduce populations of desirable fish and other aquatic organisms.
  • Prey upon native fish and other aquatic flora and fauna.
  • Cause the establishment of noxious aquatic weeds and snails.
  • Spread parasitic organisms either directly or indirectly from introduced aquatic plants carrying water snails that harbour parasites.
  • Affect the genetics of native species by cross-breeding.

What should you do?

To protect South Australia’s aquatic environment, it is important to always care for and dispose of fish and aquarium plants responsibly.

  • Ensure exotic fish kept in ponds or dams cannot escape into local waterways and stormwater drains.
  • Never release unwanted aquarium fish into the sea, dams or creeks, flush them down the toilet (dead or alive), or use them as live bait.
  • If you catch an exotic fish, do not return it to the water (it is illegal to do so).  
  • Don’t take aquarium fish interstate, always leave them in the State where they were purchased when moving house. Some fish that are allowed in South Australia are illegal in other States and visa versa.
  • Never shift live fish from one waterway to another.
  • Be aware of any unusual species or species showing an abnormal abundance in waterways.
  • If you wish to dispose of aquarium material, including fish, take it to your local aquarium dealer or a PIRSA Fisheries office, or contact either for information on a humane method of disposal of fish.
  • Report any suspected exotic aquatic fish or plant to FISHWATCH on 1800 065 522.

Aquarium fish and the law

In an attempt to reduce the risk of introduced aquatic organisms causing problems in South Australia’s waterways, PIRSA Fisheries have regulations that list the species that fish hobbyists may keep without a permit and those for which a permit is required. These lists can be found on the PIRSA Fisheries website. It is illegal to keep a species in South Australia that is not listed in the regulations. Regulations seek to ensure that fish diseases or species that may have undesirable characteristics do not threaten native fish and their habitat. Quarantine laws and regulations regarding the importation and sale of exotic fish have been developed in an effort to protect the aquarium trade, individual hobbyists, fish farmers and the environment from introduced diseases and harmful species. Be aware that the laws relating to the sale and keeping of aquarium fish vary between Australian States and Territories and a licence must be obtained if you want to breed aquarium species for any purpose including trade, business or research.

Further information

If you require further general information on the regulations relating to aquarium fish in South Australia contact FISHWATCH on 1800 065 522 or view the PIRSA Fisheries aquarium fish management website: www.pir.sa.gov.au/pages/fisheries/ environmental/aquarium.htm