Goldfish (Carassius auratus) are among the most popular pet fish in the world. Their bright colors, hardy nature, and cheap price make them a common sight in home aquariums. But when unwanted goldfish are released into ponds, lakes, or wetlands, they can create problems far beyond what most people expect. What may seem like a harmless act can have lasting consequences for local ecosystems. Why Goldfish Survive So Well Goldfish are descendants of wild carp that were domesticat