Suspected Pets Dumped

[(S)kittles]

I'm at the Jersey Shore and these poor fish don't seem like they're native here. Google hasn't been very helpful, but they almost seem like baby Flame Angelfish.

They turn pale but are otherwise bright orange with some striping. They appear to have had their tails nibbled off.

Can someone ID these? Are they native and I can dump them back in? If not, can someone come get them? I only have freshwater tanks.

 

[Loganfish]

They look like Short Bigeye. Native.

 

[Deadeye]

I agree - short bigeye.
It seems like nj is north for where you would usually find them, but they still do exist here.

 

[(S)kittles]

Since they're native, should I dump them in the Atlantic or in Barnegat?

 

[Loganfish]

Since they're native, should I dump them in the Atlantic or in Barnegat?

Avnj said they are sorta something called a Tropical Stray where they get swept up from southern Atlantic to Northern where they usually live until winter. Perfectly fine just release it.

 

[Deadeye]

I would release near where you found them (most likely to be a good environment).

 

[(S)kittles]

Thank you all for the input and knowledge! We asked some surfers to take them out as far as they could so hopefully they don't wash ashore again.

 

[Loganfish]

Thank you all for the input and knowledge! We asked some surfers to take them out as far as they could so hopefully they don't wash ashore again. View attachment 1545840

Awsome!

 

[Loganfish]

Thank you all for the input and knowledge! We asked some surfers to take them out as far as they could so hopefully they don't wash ashore again. View attachment 1545840

Also you should try saltwater. I’m telling you, it’s way less intimidating than it may seem!

 

[Melfe]

Such a cute little fish