social responsibilities

[Jungle-mania]

Hi, just like to know do you know if people know the risk of releasing their pets into the wild. Not wanting to be a wet blanket on having a new fish other don't have, but some of the fish I see like the African tigerfish and African trout seems like pretty nasty fishes to me and being a fisherman, I have come across pictures of them growing to be really big, like 4 to 5 footers.

As much as I would like to put my trust with AVA that these fishes are fine for our local waters if they so happen to be released, would they upset the ecosystem or worst attack someone.

As I am new to this hobby, but I really enjoy it alot as I love nature, but I really hope this hobby becomes the end of what I love the most. can anyone share their opinion on this?

[stormhawk]

If these large predatory fish are released into our waterways, no doubt they may adapt and survive, but they will naturally pose a threat to any fishes in their area of release.

On the other hand, IF they are released as singles and have no way of reproducing in our waterways, then I suppose they'll just carry on eating and die a natural death, or at the hands of an angler / fisherman.

The worst case scenario is when they are released into a body of water containing individuals of their same kind. This is when the problem of breeding may take place and the fishes may establish themselves locally.

Sadly, most people do not think too much of the consequences when they release their unwanted fish into the rivers or lakes or even the drains.

[hwchoy]

in general releasing ANY creatures into an ecosystem not their own is not advisable. even if they are not predators. all creatures have a place in the scheme of things and a seemingly harmless creature may turn out to occupy a similar niche that a native species has been occupying. in some cases this means competition between the two with the result that the native species are unable to compete and thus going extinct.

[budak]

Exotics like Peacock bass (Cichla occelaris), eartheater cichlids, pacus and of course tilapia/luohans/hornet tilapia are already rife in the reservoirs, although largely restricted to the open waters rather than the still fairly pristine forest streams, where native species still can be found. Whether it's the fault of misguided hobbyists, anglers seeking more exciting game or other people I can't say. But I think regulars here will know already the stance here that releasing of exotics (and in fact even captive native fishes, due to the risk of disease) into the wild is strongly condemned.