Philadelphia: An eight-year-old boy’s unusual catch during a fishing trip at a lake near Philadelphia has raised concerns about exotic pets being released into local waterways.

Seamus Coffey was fishing with his father, Michael, on Saturday morning when he reeled in a 2-lb red-bellied piranha. The boy initially thought he had caught a large bass but soon recognised the fish from YouTube videos.

Boy identifies unusual catch

Michael Coffey said he realised the fish was unlike anything they had caught before. Seamus then identified it as a piranha, surprising his father.

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission later confirmed that the fish was a species of piranha. Michael shared photographs of the unusual catch on Facebook, describing it as one of the family’s most memorable fishing experiences.

The fish was subsequently disposed of humanely, a response that officials said was appropriate.

Officials warn against releasing exotic pets

Mike Parker, a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, said the discovery highlighted a wider concern about people releasing exotic animals when they can no longer care for them.

He said tropical species such as piranhas require specialised habitats, food and care. Releasing them into rivers or ponds is not an appropriate solution and can harm the animals as well as the local environment.

Parker also noted that the piranha was unlikely to have survived for long in Pennsylvania’s colder waters, where it could have died from temperature shock or starvation.

Releasing exotic species is illegal

Authorities said releasing exotic species into Pennsylvania’s waterways is illegal, even when ownership of the animal itself is permitted. Violators can face fines and prosecution.

Officials believe the possibility of more piranhas being present in the lake is unlikely, but have urged anyone who catches or spots an exotic fish to report it to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

For Seamus, however, the unusual catch remains a memorable fishing story. “Fishing is my favourite thing,” the eight-year-old said.