ALIEN FISH ALERT: Nova Scotia's New Invader

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A female pond loach with eggs was found in Nova Scotia's LaHave River—the first ever spotted in Atlantic Canada. What happens if it establishes itself?

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This eel-like fish from East Asia likely came from someone's home aquarium. One careless release could threaten an entire ecosystem.

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The pond loach might look harmless with its whisker-like barbels and speckled body, but it's built to survive almost anywhere—even in waters with very little oxygen.

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There are good intentions by people when they let animals go into the wild, but they should never, never do it. It's just a recipe for disaster." - Ken Donnelly, Nova Scotia Invasive Species Council

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What makes this discovery especially concerning? The captured fish was female and FULL of eggs—ready to potentially start a new population.

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These invaders compete with native fish for food and habitat while potentially carrying diseases that could harm local wildlife and even humans.

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Climate change is making the situation worse. As local habitats change, invasive species find it easier to establish themselves in new environments.

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Releasing non-native aquatic species into Canadian waters isn't just bad for the environment—it's illegal under federal regulations.

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Have YOU seen a pond loach in Nova Scotia? Look for a brown/green eel-like fish with whiskers around its mouth, and report it to DFO immediately!

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