New research from UToledo and the University of Missouri found that goldfish released into the wild can dramatically damage freshwater ecosystems, harming native species and reducing water quality. Published in the Journal of Animal Ecology, the study delivers a clear message: releasing a pet goldfish may seem harmless, but the environmental impact can be lasting. Goldfish may be great pets, but they belong in aquariums — not lakes, rivers or ponds. #UToledo #Research #EnvironmentalScience #LakeErie #InvasiveSpecies #Freshwater #Science #GreatLakes