Koi Fish Pulled From Maine Pond
Limerick (NEWS CENTER) -- Wildlife officials have pulled a Koi fish from Pickerel Pond in Limerick... an invasive fish that's illegal to bring into Maine, and could cause a lot of problems in our waters.
The fish are a type of carp originally found in Japan. They aren't native to Maine's waters, but can survive in the cold conditions. That has officials worried because the fish is known for destroying vegetation necessary for trout's survival.
Wardens have already caught one Koi fish but now they're receiving reports of other sightings in Pickerel Pond. They've netted off the drainage into Arrowhead Lake in an attempt to contain the fish until they can locate all of them.
Officials say if there are more, they hope to catch them before spawning season because Koi can produce up to 30 times more eggs than a similar-sized native trout.
Anyone who spots a Koi fish in one of Maine's lakes is asked to contact the Warden's Service immediately.