EXPERTS at an aquarium have issued a stark warning over the growing trend of people dumping exotic pets.

The plea, from aquarists at Hastings Blue Reef Aquarium, comes after four terrapins were dumped at the Rock-a-Nore Road aquarium in the last two weeks.

Aquariums across the country have seen a sharp rise in the numbers of exotic fish, reptiles and amphibians being abandoned in recent months.

Blue Reef’s Adam Stockley said: “Unfortunately the problem with unwanted exotic pets like terrapins and turtles is literally a growing one.

“People buy these cute little creatures and either don’t realise or fail to take into account the fact that they will keep getting bigger.

“For example, red-eared terrapins begin life as these incredibly miniature reptiles which are about the size of a box of matches.

“Within a few short years however, they can reach 30cm or more and that’s when people start abandoning them.”

Many of the county’s lakes have become dumping grounds for terrapins which is posing a threat to native species of wildlife with the established animals unable to cope with sharing their habitat with such aggressive invaders.

The aquarium is now unable to house any more terrapins and has issued a plea to would-be owners to think very carefully before buying them.

Mr Stockley added: “Every week we receive phone calls and requests from the public to re-home fish and other exotic pets which have outgrown their tanks.

“We help where we can, but we have limited resources and if the individual creatures cannot find a suitable new home then their options are very limited.”

Anyone who spots terrapins or turtles in the wild is urged to get in contact with their local animal rescue organisation.