Fish With Human-Like Teeth, Piranha Relative Found In Petaluma Pond

PETALUMA (KCBS) – A Petaluma fisherman got a big bite, but didn't expect the fish he reeled in to bite back.

Juan Gallo caught a pacu fish at the Lucchesi Park pond in Petaluma over the weekend. But as he lifted the fish from the water, its teeth cut the line.

A pacu is a freshwater fish typically found in the Amazon River and a relative of the piranha. While the fish is sold at U.S. pet shops, they're illegal in California.

Gallo managed to keep a hold of the fish, and plans to turn it over to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. He said if they don't want it, he may have it stuffed.