Aquarium Fish
Sanctuary
Many pet stores sell fish that will become too large for most home
aquariums. Some customers unknowingly buy fish that will be 12" or
longer when fully grown for 10 and 20 gallon tanks. These fish are more
susceptible to infection and will ultimately die before reaching their
full life span. Other fish might be too agressive and territorial
to be kept with other fish. Owners might feel it would be better for
the fish to be released into local waterways. For tropical fish in temperate
climates such as Chicago, this means certain death. Cold water fish released
into local rivers, streams and lakes can bring diseases or be invasive.
While not released by aquarists, the effects of Asian carp on Illinois
ecosystems has been devastating.
