From pet store to problem

Photo: The Canadian Press

Biologists have discovered an invasive species breeding in a Prince George stream that flows into a tributary of the Fraser River.

The rosy red minnow is commonly sold by pet stores as feeder fish for other species and isn't native to northern British Columbia.

The provincial government says in an information bulletin that invasive fish species can severely impact other aquatic species through competition, parasites and disease.

Once they are established, the bulletin says they can be very difficult and expensive to remove.

Staff with the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations are now working on options to manage the situation.

The bulletin says that releasing aquarium fish into local natural waterways is illegal and people who don't want their fish should return them to pet stores instead of letting them go.