Sturgeon County, Alta. (Rural Roots Canada) – The invasive Pumpkinseed fish has been confirmed in the Cardiff Trout Pond, north of Edmonton.
The Alberta Invasive Species Council (AISC) has put out an alert after the fish was discovered in the pond, which it says was “likely introduced for angling opportunities.”
The Pumpkinseed fish is listed as prohibited on the Fisheries (Alberta) Act, meaning it’s illegal to possess, release, sell or transport the species within the province.
Pumpkinseed fish, or Lepomis gibbosus, are oval-shaped with vibrant colours and teal markings. They have a yellow-orange belly and brown to olive-coloured sides and back, flaked with specks of gold, brown, green and blue. They also have a distinctive red and black crescent moon-shaped spot near the eye. They can get up to 20 cm in length and weigh up to a pound at maturity. They have a lifespan of eight to ten years and can start reproducing in their second year, which means they can spread quickly.
Related: Highly invasive Prussian carp found in stormwater pond in Calgary
Pumpkinseed fish are native to Eastern Canada and the United States. Introduced to some western provinces and states for angling and aquaculture opportunities, their first appearance in Alberta was in 2025. Once introduced, they can negatively impact trout stocks and other fish species through aggressive competition. They also have an appetite for rare salamander and frog species.
The AISC says that if you spot Pumpkinseed fish, submit a photo to the free EDDMapS app.
Photo credit: AISC Facebook page
