Invasive Land-Surviving Fish Discovered in Nova Scotia River
Wafricnews - June 24, 2025
LaHave River, Nova Scotia – Canadian environmental officials have raised the alarm after an unusual fish species capable of surviving out of water was discovered in a Nova Scotia river—marking its first known appearance in Eastern Canada.
LaHave River, Nova Scotia – Canadian environmental officials have raised the alarm after an unusual fish species capable of surviving out of water was discovered in a Nova Scotia river—marking its first known appearance in Eastern Canada.
The fish, known as Misgurnus anguillicaudatus, or more commonly the Oriental Weatherfish or pond loach, was found in the LaHave River near New Germany. The discovery was confirmed by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, with environmentalists warning that the invasive species poses a severe threat to local ecosystems.
The Nova Scotia Invasive Species Council described the situation as critical. “This fish can outcompete native species for food and breeding space, and it brings with it a risk of harmful parasites and diseases,” said Ken Donnelly, a representative of the Council.
The pond loach, which can grow up to 10 inches long, is a hardy species originally popular in home aquariums. Authorities suspect it may have been illegally released into the wild—an act prohibited under Canadian environmental laws.
What makes this species particularly concerning is its ability to breathe air and survive on land for brief periods. “Its resilience to low-oxygen conditions and rapid reproductive ability—especially with some being capable of asexual reproduction—makes it a serious ecological disruptor,” experts warned.
The specimen found was a female carrying eggs, sparking fears of a possible population boom if others remain undetected in the region. “We’re hoping this is an isolated case,” said Donnelly. “But if it’s not, we could be facing a major biodiversity crisis.”
The presence of the loach was first reported by a local citizen through the iNaturalist platform, a community science initiative that helps track wildlife sightings across the globe.
On a global scale, the cost of invasive species is staggering. A recent study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution estimates that invasive species have cost the global economy an average of $35 billion annually over the past six decades. North America alone has lost approximately $285 billion due to invasive species impacts.
Invasive plants, insects, and mammals are leading the charge in biodiversity disruption. The pond loach now joins this destructive list, highlighting the growing consequences of careless species introductions and environmental neglect.
Officials urge the public to avoid releasing aquarium species into local waterways and to report any unusual wildlife sightings to relevant authorities.
By Wafricnews Desk.
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