Arapaima found in Florida - Anyone else see this?

[jstevenz]

New Florida Invasive Species: a 10-Foot-Long River Monster

The Burmese python, green iguana and lionfish are, by now, well-known invasive species that have established a dangerous foothold in Florida. But a fearsome new invasive predator has emerged in the state: a monster fish that can grow up to 10 feet long and weigh hundreds of pounds.

www.nbcmiami.com

I initially thought this was just a overgrown tank release but after looking at the size of it, it had to have been living for a while. Crazy to think about the possibility of these living in native US waters. Though I doubt they would be able to thrive and reproduce unless at the very southern part of Florida.

 

[tlindsey]

New Florida Invasive Species: a 10-Foot-Long River Monster

The Burmese python, green iguana and lionfish are, by now, well-known invasive species that have established a dangerous foothold in Florida. But a fearsome new invasive predator has emerged in the state: a monster fish that can grow up to 10 feet long and weigh hundreds of pounds.

www.nbcmiami.com

I initially thought this was just a overgrown tank release but after looking at the size of it, it had to have been living for a while. Crazy to think about the possibility of these living in native US waters. Though I doubt they would be able to thrive and reproduce unless at the very southern part of Florida.

That's exactly why they banned the Snakehead because someone probably couldn't properly care for the Arapaima anymore they released it in Florida native water's.

 

[BIG-G]

I read somewhere that the theory is, it was a pet that got huge and then died.
The owner then dumped the body.

 

[tlindsey]

I read somewhere that the theory is, it was a pet that got huge and then died.
The owner then dumped the body.

Oh ok I was getting upset but now can see someone doing that as well.

 

[Krismo962]

Didn't you have to have a permit to keep one in florida?

 

[Joshuakahan]

That's exactly why they banned the Snakehead because someone probably couldn't properly care for the Arapaima anymore they released it in Florida native water's.

It still doesn’t make sense to ban a fish in areas where it can’t survive. It’s just laziness on big brothers part. It’s like in school when the teacher punished the whole class because of a few.

 

[Krismo962]

Maybe it wasn't the fault of fish keepers at all? ?

 

[tlindsey]

It still doesn’t make sense to ban a fish in areas where it can’t survive. It’s just laziness on big brothers part. It’s like in school when the teacher punished the whole class because of a few.

I agree

 

[tlindsey]

Maybe it wasn't the fault of fish keepers at all? ?

Didn't know about the harvesting them to catch later. Brings back memories when my Mother had Red line Snakehead's. I remember somewhere here in Ohio a fisherman hooked a Redbelly that was released but no way it would have survived the winter.

 

[Krismo962]

Didn't know about the harvesting them to catch later. Brings back memories when my Mother had Red line Snakehead's. I remember somewhere here in Ohio a fisherman hooked a Redbelly that was released but no way it would have survived the winter.

Didn't your mom also have a parachanna/african snakehead too?