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Hi everyone. I was walking around a lake in Varsity lakes last night with my friend and our dogs when we noticed what appeared to be african cichlids swimming in enormous numbers. We had stopped to feed the ducks some stale bread when we noticed that a lot of peacock looking fish were also eating the bread. Has anyone seen anything like this before on the Gold Coast? I have bought some tiny hooks and we are going to try and get at least one today using bread. I really hope they are natives and we were both mistaken but I have owned a lot of peacocks and they have quite a recognisable shape.

Seen some people talking about catching some feral cichlids in cairns

Freeing pet catfish can devastate ecosystems

Nice fish. Glad these are not loose in our waterways, stupid septics think this is cool. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3Le5RYnYkg

22 Feb 2011 An angel fish has plenty of room to spread its wings after being found dumped from its cosy confines and into Lake Ainsworth, in northern NSW. The sighting of this aquarium fish has sparked warnings about the dangers of illegal dumping of fish into the State’s waterways. Industry & Investment NSW (I&I NSW) Manager, Aquatic Biosecurity Risk Management, Jane Frances, said a member of the public reported the finding to I&I NSW. "He saw the angel fish in the shallows while angling at Lake Ainsworth, near Lennox Head, in January," Ms Frances said. "He caught the fish, took a photo and emailed it to our aquatic pest email address. "This fish is clearly not native to the area, and it is a timely reminder about the detrimental impacts dumped fish have on native species and our environment. "Exotic fish may compete with and prey on native species and may introduce or spread diseases to native fish. "This emphasises the importance of the national strategy, A Strategic Approach to the Management of Ornamental Fish in Australia, to improve the management of ornamental fish species nationally. "Although this fish is not listed as noxious and not under national consideration to be listed as, it demonstrates the issue with people illegally dumping unwanted fish." In December 2010 NSW updated the NSW Noxious Fish list with the second stage of 67 nationally agreed species having high-risk pest potential. The NSW noxious fish list now contains 141 noxious fish listings which aim to protect our aquatic environment. Anyone who sees a fish not at home in its rightful environmental is being urged to contact I&I NSW. "Reported sightings are valuable as they provide information on potential new pests and current pest distribution," Ms Frances said. "The public can help by reporting suspected pests to I&I NSW Aquatic Biosecurity Unit on the 24 recorded hotline (02) 4916 3877 or email aquatic.pests@industry.nsw.gov.au "People should also give unwanted aquatic plants or fish to friends or an aquarium shop, rather than releasing in into any waterways. "Be responsible with your pet fish - prevent accidental escape and screen outdoor ponds to prevent overflow during heavy rains."