A furtive \u0022monster\u0022 fish caught national attention in China this week as millions of people tuned in to a multiday effort to capture it.
The fish, estimated to be at least 27 1/2 inches long, was first spotted in mid-July by a resident in Ruzhou, a landlocked central Chinese city. Local authorities identified it as an alligator gar – a torpedo-shaped freshwater fish with razor-sharp teeth – and launched an operation to capture it.We deliver the local news you need in these turbulent times on weekdays at 3 p.m.By clicking on the sign up button you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
Alligator gars, native to the Americas, were introduced to China as pet fish. They were prized for their quirky look, but many were later abandoned or released into the wild after growing too big. Despite Chinese scientists lobbying for the gar to be added to an inventory of invasive species, it remains readily available in pet stores and on e-commerce sites for as little as a few dollars.
“When a gar gets released into a river, lake or fish farm here, it will start to devour everything, which can be a great threat to local ecosystems,” said Gu Dangen, an aquatic ecosystems expert at the Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, who has studied invasive fish species.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Taiwan: China, Russia disrupting, threatening world orderTaiwan's leader says China and Russia are “disrupting and threatening the world order' through Beijing's recent large-scale military exercises near the island and Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.
Read more »
US and China reach deal on audits of listed companiesThe United States and China have reached an agreement allowing U.S. regulators to investigate audits of Chinese-based firms traded in American markets.
Read more »
2023 Buick Envista Crossover Coupe Debuts In China With Brand's New Design Language | Carscoops2023 Buick Envista Crossover Coupe Debuts In China With Brand's New Design Language | Carscoops carscoops
Read more »
2023 Smart #1 Brabus Packs A 422 HP Punch Despite Subtle Looks | Carscoops2023 Smart 1 Brabus Packs A 422 HP Punch Despite Subtle Looks | Carscoops carscoops
Read more »
China adds postscript to 'Minions' showing crime doesn't payThe latest “Minions” movie reinforces a message for Chinese audiences that viewers in other countries won’t see: Crime doesn’t pay.
Read more »
A US Propaganda Operation Hit Russia and China With MemesPlus: An Iranian hacking tool steals inboxes, LastPass gets hacked, and a deepfake scammer targets the crypto world.
Read more »