Discovery of Alligator-Like Fish in Kolkata Lake Causes Concern

Alligator Gar has a snout like an alligator with sharp teeth and could become an invasive species.

Alligator Gar. (Photo Courtesy: YouTube Screenshot)

A primitive predatory fish that was discovered in Subhas Sarovar lake in Kolkata’s Belighata area has become a matter of concern for biodiversity experts and ecologists.

Alligator gar is a carnivorous fish that has a snout like an alligator. It is even known to attack humans. This prehistoric fish mostly inhabits parts of North and Central America.

Mathe Rajeev Mathew, an expert member of the National Biodiversity Authority told The Hindustan Times,

The fish’s egg is also poisonous. It has no natural enemies and hence can become invasive in no time destroying the local ecosystem and biodiversity.

Here’s a video that shows how ferocious they can be.

According to HT, this species of fish has been spreading fast in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

Experts said that Alligator Gar is usually smuggled into the country to be kept in aquariums but when they grow in size and kill other fish, the owners often release them in local water bodies.

Shibu Mondol who fought the 3.5 feet long Alligator Gar in Kolkata recounted that the fish tried to snap at his fingers when he caught it.

We couldn’t cut the fish with a knife. It was so hard that it had to be hacked with an axe.

Read the full story on The Hindustan Times.