Pune's Pavana Dam constitutes a North American fish 'Alligator gar'

Pune, December 3: The netting of a dead carnivorous fish named ‘alligator gar’, native to North America was found in Pavana Dam near Pune today. Officials identified the fish caught in Pavana Dam, about 17 cm in length, weighing 2.5 kg. This has put the state Fisheries department on alert mode as its presence could adversely affect the bio-diversity of the water body.

 

"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.The experts told us that it is an exotic fish found exclusively in North America " said A M Gadwal, a section engineer at Pavana Dam.

 

Fisheries Development Officer Janak Bhosale confirmed the find and said the 'alligator gar' can adversely affect the bio-diversity of the water body as it tends to kill other fish for survival. Speaking on how the exotic fish might have found its way into Pavana Dam, Bhosale said, "It is possible someone may have brought this fish to keep in an aquarium. He may have later released it into Pavana Dam."

 

The fish, according to experts, can adapt to water bodies with different levels of salinity and is an ambush predator using stealth and strategy rather than speed to kill other fish.