Massive goldfish are being found in Lake Erie. Some measuring more than a foot long.

Goldfish are typically kept as small pets, but when released into natural bodies of water, they grow drastically.

"They are huge," said Erie Zoo's Development Director Scott Mitchell. "They can almost be the size of a football. That's how big they can get. Those are the ones that can damage a habitat pretty quickly."

These goldfish are an invasive species to Lake Erie and are harmful to the environment. The fish contribute to poor water quality, uproot plants, and steal food from other native species.

"Things like Koi and Goldfish will continue to grow as long as there is food. They can get enormous and steal the food that other native fish would eat."

The Erie Zoo welcomes anyone to bring their unwanted goldfish to the Last Chance Lagoon. This program hopes to preserve Lake Erie and reduce the amount of unwanted pet goldfish in the great lakes.

"You bring them in, and we quarantine them for 30 days. Once they make it through a medical exam, then they are released into our ponds."

To learn more about the Last Chance Lagoons at the Erie Zoo, click here.