News from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department
August 8, 2005
Phone: (603) 271-3211
Email: info@wildlife.state.nh.us
For information and online licenses, visit 
http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us

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CONTACT:
Steve Perry: (603) 271-2501 
Robert Fawcett: (603) 271-2501 
Jane Vachon: (603) 271-3211
August 8, 2005 


Angler Pulls in Piranha-like Fish in Hudson:
AQUARIUM FISH SHOULD NEVER BE RELEASED

CONCORD, N.H. - After a piranha-like fish was caught in Tate Pond in 
Hudson Sunday night, the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department has 
issued a reminder that it is illegal to release aquarium fish into the wild.

"The biggest concern with an illegal release is the potential 
disruption of the aquatic system's ecological balance," said Robert Fawcett, 
Hatcheries Supervisor at Fish and Game. "Escapees and intentionally 
released non-native fish can devastate New Hampshire's natural habitats. If 
they adapt to the environment, new arrivals may out-compete our native 
species." 

The piranha-like fish gave Jacob Wurm of Manchester an impressive 
fight, jumping out of the water like a bass and flashing a formidable set of 
teeth. Wurm brought the fish in to New Hampshire Fish and Game 
Department headquarters on Monday. Weighing 2.5 pounds and measuring between 14 
and 15 inches in length, the specimen looked like an oversized sunfish, 
armed, literally, to the teeth. Fish and Game officials identified the 
fish as a pacu, native to South America. While it looks very much like 
a piranha, the pacu has rounded, rather than sharp, teeth and it eats 
fruits and nuts instead of flesh, though it will take bait. 

Most likely, this pacu was an unwanted fish dumped from someone's 
tropical aquarium, said Robert Fawcett. It is illegal to release any fish 
into the public waters of New Hampshire without a permit, and permits are 
never issued for prohibited species like piranha or pacu. Release of 
any exotic species is illegal - even familiar carp and goldfish can cause 
big problems competing with native fish for food and space if they 
become established in local waterbodies. 

What can you do if you have unwanted aquarium or ornamental pond fish 
you want to get rid of? Trade or give your fish to another aquarist; 
donate them to a local museum or school; or dispose of them humanely by 
freezing. The metabolism of a fish or aquatic animal will slow down as 
the temperature goes down. When the water is frozen, the fish or animal 
will be dead and can be discarded. To avoid stressing the fish as the 
temperature drops, anesthetize them with rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol 
before placing them in the freezer. 

For more information on disposing of unwanted fish and plants from 
aquariums and ornamental ponds, download the brochure "Don't Leave Them 
Stranded" from http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Education/education.htm or 
call (603) 271-3211 to order copies. 

To obtain additional information on what you can do to help stop the 
spread of aquatic nuisance species visit 
http://www.ProtectYourWaters.net/nh.

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is the guardian of the 
state's fish, wildlife and marine resources and their habitats. Visit 
http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us. 

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Copyright 2005 New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, 
Concord, NH 03301.  Comments or questions concerning this list should 
be directed to lpoinier@wildlife.state.nh.us.