TEXAS — More than 400 invasive suckermouth armored catfish were removed from the San Marcos River during a dewatering event by researchers from Texas A&M and Texas State University.

The fish, also known as plecos or algae eaters, are introduced to Texas bodies of water through aquarium dumpings.

Texas Parks and Wildlife says once plants, fish and animals are dumped into the ocean, they can become pests and have drastic consequences for bodies of water in Texas.

The armored catfish has grown out of control in the wild waters and will consume aquatic plants and wood, which contributes to erosion of the areas they are in. They also create deep burrows, which can lead to bank collapses and be dangerous to the ecosystem.

Rather than releasing your pet fish into the wild or flushing it down the toilet, Texas Parks and Wildlife suggests a couple ways to responsibly be free of your fish.

One is to find a new family for your fish. You can also donate it to a local school, business, aquarium or a hobbyist. Two is to trade your fish or sell it through online forums. The final option Texas Parks and Wildlife suggests is to euthanize your fish in a humane way in order to preserve the ecosystem.