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NewsWSVN 7 MiamiAugust 13, 2026Miami-Dade

Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission identifies piranha caught in Ridley Park Lake

State officials confirmed that a red-bellied piranha caught by a local angler at Ridley Park Lake was an illegally released pet. The fish, which is not native to Pennsylvania, was removed from the waterway to protect the local ecosystem.

wildlifeenvironmentfishinginvasive species
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Why It Matters

The illegal release of non-native pets into public waterways can disrupt local s and is prohibited by state wildlife regulations.

Key Facts

  • A red-bellied piranha was caught at Ridley Park Lake in Delaware County, Pennsylvania.
  • The fish measured approximately 9.5 inches in length and weighed about 2 pounds.
  • The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission confirmed the species is a piranha.
  • Officials stated the fish was an illegally released pet.
  • State officials consider this an isolated incident.
  • The angler humanely disposed of the fish after consulting with local ecosystem concerns.

Who's Mentioned

personMichael Coffey“Father of Seamus Coffey”personMike Parker“Representative of the Fish and Boat Commission”organizationPennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission“State agency responsible for managing waterways and wildlife”locationRidley Park Lake“Location where the piranha was caught”personSeamus Coffey“8-year-old angler who caught the piranha”