Red-Bellied Piranha Caught in Delaware County Lake
An 8-year-old boy caught a red-bellied piranha at Ridley Park Lake in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, during a fishing trip with his father. The fish, estimated to be 9.5 inches long and weigh 2 pounds, was likely a former pet illegally…
Miami Fort Lauderdale, FL, August 13, 2026 —
An unusual catch was made recently at Ridley Park Lake in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, when an 8-year-old boy reeled in a red-bellied piranha while fishing with his father.
The fish, measuring approximately 9.5 inches in length and estimated to weigh around 2 pounds, is not native to the area. State officials suggest that the piranha was likely a former pet that was illegally released into the lake.
Red-bellied piranhas are native to South America and are known for their sharp teeth. While they are often depicted as aggressive predators, their behavior in non-native environments can vary. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission generally advises against releasing non-native species into local waterways, as they can potentially disrupt the native ecosystem.
Authorities are treating this as an isolated incident. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has not provided further details regarding the handling of the fish after its capture. The identity of the father and son were not released.
Story summarized from the original created by Rubén Rosario on wsvn.com, see more information here.
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