Amazonian Pacu Fish, A Piranha Relative, Discovered In Lough Garadice Near Cavan/Leitrim Border In Ireland
Bizarre/Strange
Sunday 25th, February 2024
A 2kg Pacu fish, native to the Amazon in South America, was found lifeless in Lough Garadice near the Cavan/Leitrim border over the weekend. The discovery was made by angler Steve Clinch, prompting an investigation by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI).
Barry Fox, Head of Operations with IFI, highlighted the ongoing efforts to protect Irish waters from invasive or non-native species. He explained, "The finding of non-native species happens from time to time, but is on the increase."
The Pacu fish, a relative of the piranha, is known for its herbivorous diet, consuming plants, nuts, and aquatic growth with its large mouth. IFI suspects that the fish might have been kept in an aquarium but outgrew its confined space.
"A research team from Inland Fisheries Ireland is examining the fish, using analysis to confirm that it is a Pacu fish," stated Mr. Fox. The team is conducting thorough analyses to identify the fish and gather information about its origin and potential impact on the local environment.
Mr. Fox emphasized the importance of managing invasive species, noting the potential adverse effects on natural biodiversity. "Some non-native species can become invasive and can impact on the natural fish or flora that populate the locations, which can have a significant impact on natural biodiversity," he said.
In addressing the issue, IFI utilises various methods, such as traps or electrodes, to capture and remove non-native species while ensuring the release of native species back into the water. Although managing invasions can be costly, it is deemed necessary to maintain the ecological balance of aquatic ecosystems.
The research team also conducted a stock assessment of the lake, reassuring that, up to this point, no additional non-native fish were identified. Mr. Fox acknowledged the increase in discoveries of non-native species and stressed the importance of ongoing efforts to safeguard Irish waters.
Barry Fox, Head of Operations with IFI, highlighted the ongoing efforts to protect Irish waters from invasive or non-native species. He explained, "The finding of non-native species happens from time to time, but is on the increase."
The Pacu fish, a relative of the piranha, is known for its herbivorous diet, consuming plants, nuts, and aquatic growth with its large mouth. IFI suspects that the fish might have been kept in an aquarium but outgrew its confined space.
"A research team from Inland Fisheries Ireland is examining the fish, using analysis to confirm that it is a Pacu fish," stated Mr. Fox. The team is conducting thorough analyses to identify the fish and gather information about its origin and potential impact on the local environment.
Mr. Fox emphasized the importance of managing invasive species, noting the potential adverse effects on natural biodiversity. "Some non-native species can become invasive and can impact on the natural fish or flora that populate the locations, which can have a significant impact on natural biodiversity," he said.
In addressing the issue, IFI utilises various methods, such as traps or electrodes, to capture and remove non-native species while ensuring the release of native species back into the water. Although managing invasions can be costly, it is deemed necessary to maintain the ecological balance of aquatic ecosystems.
The research team also conducted a stock assessment of the lake, reassuring that, up to this point, no additional non-native fish were identified. Mr. Fox acknowledged the increase in discoveries of non-native species and stressed the importance of ongoing efforts to safeguard Irish waters.
