What to Do When Catching Invasive Fish Species

June 26, 2014

Question: What should we do when we catch invasive fish in local lakes? Specifically, Balboa Lake in the San Fernando Valley remains warm enough in winter to support some tropical fish. Certain aquarium fishes breed as well as survive in these waters. The problem now are Plecostomus (commonly found in home fish tanks to eat the algae) that have taken over the lake and the Los Angeles River.

A couple of us have caught over 200 since February in one little cove while fishing for carp. We were told by park personnel to kill them (seemed reasonable) but I wanted to make sure they are inedible so that we won’t get into trouble for wasting fish. Please advise. Thanks. (Bill S.)

Answer: From a biological standpoint, CDFW would like to see these invasive fish disposed of (killed) rather then placed back in the system. The law prohibits the waste of any fish taken in waters of the state (California Code of Regulations Title 14, section 1.87). This regulation is intended to encourage people to eat any fish they kill, and to avoid needlessly killing fish. But, any use of fish that are legal for sale by an aquarium or pet store would satisfy the requirements of this regulation, including their use as fertilizer for your garden.

Here’s something that might surprise you … Plecostomus are consumed by humans in some of their native Central and South American waters. Jackson Landers, author of “Eating Aliens: One Man’s Adventures Hunting Invasive Animal Species” includes a recipe for Plecostomus in this book.

How big do Plecostomus get in the wild?

How big do Plecostomus get in the wild?

I think I remember seeing Jeremy Wade of 'River Monsters' catching a Plecostomus close to two feet in length in South America.  I'd be willing to try it!  I bet it'd cook up like a catfish.  Wonder how bony they are...

How big do Plecostomus get in the wild?

Misguided parents with good intentions teaching their kids to release aquarium fish when they no longer wish to care for them (that would be my guess).

How big do Plecostomus get in the wild?

Misguided parents with good intentions teaching their kids to release aquarium fish when they no longer wish to care for them (that would be my guess).

yep.good intentions , bad decisions-invasive species. Thats how snakeheads and other exotics end up in the wilds of America

I shot a 23" in the ca aqua duct with my bow lol

I had no idea these things got so large ...