8-year-old boy catches piranha in Pennsylvania lake

An 8-year-old boy caught a red-bellied piranha while fishing with his father at Ridley Park Lake near Philadelphia on Saturday. Seamus Coffey reeled in the 2-lb fish, initially thinking it was a large bass, but recognised it from YouTube videos. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission confirmed the species.

Officials said the piranha was likely an abandoned exotic pet, a practice that is illegal in Pennsylvania. Spokesman Mike Parker warned that owners who release exotic species into waterways can face fines and prosecution. The fish, native to South America, would not have survived Pennsylvania's cold waters.

The father and son disposed of the fish humanely. Parker said the chance of more piranhas in the lake is low but urged anyone who spots an exotic fish to report it to the commission.