Boy reels in freaky fish with human-like teeth in Oklahoma. It wasn’t where it should be

A boy was in for a surprise when he hooked a piranha-like fish in an Oklahoma pond — a long way from its home.

The pacu fish, recently caught by Charlie Clinton in a neighborhood pond, is native to South America and is considered an invasive species.

So what’s it doing in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation officials said in a news release Tuesday, July 18, it’s not the first time a pacu has been caught in the state.

Related Post

Israeli raids on the southern suburb after warnings to residents to evacuate | news

November 8, 2024

Special exemption area for Jewish people marked out with 18ft poles in wealthy village is approved despite 1,000 objections – as council pulls some comments over ‘antisemitism’

November 8, 2024

Hamas praises Spain's prevention of ships carrying weapons for Israel from docking news

November 8, 2024

Parenting expert reveals how to avoid Princess Charlotte’s meltdown after seeing Prince William’s new beard

November 8, 2024

“Non-native pacu in Oklahoma waters are most likely the result of individuals buying them as pets, and releasing them when they outgrow their tank,” officials said. “These fish are generally harmless to humans, but the practice of dumping unwanted pets in waterways can be incredibly harmful to native wildlife.”

Charlie was all smiles as he presented what conservation officers called an “unusual bite.”

When he pried open the fish’s mouth, human-like teeth appeared. This is normal for pacu, which are said to “have a seriously strong bite,” according to Audubon Nature Institute.

Pacu are also referred to as “vegetarian piranhas” because they do not eat meat, McClatchy News reported in 2020. They can grow to more than 3 feet and up to 97 pounds.

Despite not being native to North America, at least 27 states have reported pacu captures in the wild, according to a 2016 Live Science article.

“As for Charlie, we’re told you can find him back at the pond on the grind for his next great catch. We wish you luck and tight lines, Charlie!” conservation officials said.

Another creepy fish washes up on Texas shore. This one is ‘as big as they get’

Alligator with strange protruding teeth seen on trail camera in Southwest Florida

Exotic reptile ‘with very big teeth’ discovered in Pennsylvania park, photos show