Did Nemo Inspire Flushing?

According to a blurb in Aquarium Fish Magazine, Australian scientists believe six platies species of fish, found in New South Wales, are a case of "Finding Nemo Syndrome."

It is believed the platies were flushed down the toilet in an effor to release them into the wild.

In the Finding Nemo Movie, one of the themes was "all drains lead to the ocean." Nemo is depicted escaping back to the wild via a sink drain.

The platies, discovered in a drain that connects to a ditch, are the first found in the wild, and experts worry they could devastate the native fish population. Although the act may have been well intentioned, platies eating habits and competitive nature with other fish concern experts, who are encouraging pet owners to seek other solutions for unwanted fish.