WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Piranha Cousin Pulled from Otter Creek

Piranha Cousin Pulled from Otter Creek

Proctor, Vermont - October 23, 2009

How about this for a fish story: swarms of piranhas in a Vermont river. Well, OK, not exactly. But one exotic fish was pulled from the Otter Creek in Proctor. It's called a pacu and it's a relative of the piranha, but unlike its carnivorous cousin, the pacu eats plants.

Vt. Fish and Wildlife officials say the fish is native to South America and was probably released after outgrowing someone's aquarium.

Exotic species can be a real nuisance to Vermont rivers and lakes but officials say this one would never have survived the coming cold weather. But due to the threat of non-native species, a new regulation was passed this year listing fish species that are prohibited from being imported, sold or possessed in Vermont. Click for more information.

Workers at the Vermont Marble Power Division of Omya spotted the exotic fish and called Fish & Wildlife. Officials say if you spot an exotic fish, immediately report it to Vt. Fish & Wildlife at 802-241-3700 or a local district office. And try to get a photo of the fish if you can.

Click here for more information on the dangers and risks of releasing aquarium pets and plans into the wild.