High Alert as Deadly Predator Fish Usually Found in North America Caught in Pune Dam
"Upon being alerted about the catch last week by local fishermen, we took the view of fish experts who confirmed that it was the alligator gar. It is carnivorous and kills other fish in the water body it inhabits," said A M Gadwal, a section engineer at Pavana Dam.
Pune: The netting of a dead carnivorous fish native to North America in Pavana Dam near Pune has put the state Fisheries department on alert mode as its presence could adversely affect the bio-diversity of the water body.
Officials identified the fish caught in Pavana Dam, about 17 cm in length and weighing 2.5 kg, as the 'alligator gar', which is called so due to its resemblance to the American alligator, particularly the broad snout and long, sharp teeth.
"Upon being alerted about the catch last week by local fishermen, we took the view of fish experts who confirmed that it was the alligator gar. It is carnivorous and kills other fish in the water body it inhabits," said A M Gadwal, a section engineer at Pavana Dam.
"The experts told us that it is an exotic fish found exclusively in North America," Gadwal added.