If exotic fish survive and reproduce, they are difficult, if not
impossible, to control or eradicate. Their presence may lead to changes
in the native, or local, fish populations in an area through competition
with native species or by preying on them. Aquarium fish that are
dumped into the nearest stream may become susceptible to unfamiliar
parasites and diseases, but the real danger is that they may infect native
fish with exotic parasites or diseases. And, aquarium fishes may affect
the genetics of native species by hybridizing with them. Some aquarium
species may even pose a physical or public health threat, such as
piranhas and freshwater stingrays. For more information, go to
http://www.usgs.gov/ and click on "Invasive Species Threaten
America's Biological Heritage."
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