How is it Possible? Native Fish from the Amazon is Found in a Small Lake in Ireland!

The mystery of the Amazonian fish that was found in a small lake in Ireland, more than 8 thousand kilometers away. Irish Institute detailed this discovery!

Peixe Pacu
The Amazon fish, Pacu, was found by businessman Steve Clinch in Ireland. Photo: Clinch

Is it possible for a fish native to the Amazon to reach a lake in the interior of Ireland? Authorities and scientists are intrigued after the discovery of a Pacu fish, native to the Amazon, in a lake in Ireland recently.

The fish weighing approximately 2 kilos was found by businessman Steve Clinch, a veteran fisherman and owner of a fishing in in the region. Clinch explained that the fish was not caught by him, but found already lifeless on the shores of the lake.

It seems that he was caught alive and later died. I simply removed it and reported it to the local authorities, who took it for inspection, considering it to be a non-native species of the region, said Clinch.

The lake in question is definitely small! Lake Garadice is located in the interior of Ireland, 140 kilometers from the capital Dublin and has about 4 square kilometers. It is known for its scenic beauty and recreational activities such as fishing and boating. The freshwater fish common in the region are small and medium-sized like the species, Brown Trout, Lucio Roquete and Perca.

The Island Fisheries Ireland, the Irish institute responsible for the protection, management and conservation of freshwater and fishing resources in Ireland, has started an investigation. According to the Institute, the fish is refrigerated in a laboratory for analysis of the remains.

The mystery of the Amazonian fish in Ireland

In addition, the institute emphasized that only one dead specimen of the Pacu fish was found on the side, and not a population of the species. Clinch reported that the encounter of non-native species happens from time to time, but it is increasing.

According to the institute's press office, there are still no definitive details about the origin of the fish and how it arrived at Lake Garadice, but it may have been released from a private fish tank.

The institute explained that fish is vegetarian and consumes plants, nuts and aquatic plants through the big mouth.

In the country, the breeding of non-native fish is regulated by specific laws and regulations. Although there is no absolute ban on the farming of non-native fish, the Irish authorities adopt measures considered exotic in order to protect aquatic ecosystems and local biodiversity.

Non-native fish can compete with native species for resources such as food, space and shelter. This can lead to the reduction of populations of native species and change in food chains.

In Brazil, the Brazilian Institute of the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama) is the body responsible for regulating and issuing authorizations for the export of native species of fish. Interested parties must meet the requirements established by Ordinance No. 102 of 2022, of Ibama, which regulates the export and import of fish from continental, marine and estuarine waters, for ornamental and aquarium purposes.

News reference

The Irish Independent. Angler's shock after discovering South American fish in County Leitrim lake.