Since 2011, University of Nevada, Reno biologists are
consistently finding large goldfish inhabiting Lake Tahoe, a
species introduction biologists will investigate in May 2013.
(Photo: courtesy of University of Nevada, Reno) Emerson Marcus,
Reno Gazette-Journal RENO - Biologists are worried that Lake
Tahoe's pristine blue water may be affected by a "giant"
visitor. Goldfish have inhabited the water of the Tahoe Keys
since the 1990s, said Sudeep Chandra, a biologist at the
University of Nevada, Reno. But it wasn't until 2011 that
biologists found a 14.2 inch, 3.4 pound goldfish in the lake.
More "giant" goldfish have been found since, he said. It is not
entirely known how the goldfish are being introduced to Lake
Tahoe. Chandra said he thinks people who have goldfish as pets
are disposing of them in the lake. According to the U.S. Forest
Service's Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, warm-water fish,
which include goldfish, have been seen in the lake over the last
decade. The invasion of these warm species can be