Wildlife officials in the U.S. state of Michigan confirmed that anglers have caught several fish with strangely shaped teeth in a Michigan lake that resemble human teeth, surprising residents.
According to PIX Television News in New York and Detroit Media, although some people find these (fish') teeth disturbing, they are not the result of genetic experimental mutations, but a red-bellied freshwater pomfret from South American waters (red-bellied pacu).
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources said anglers caught red-bellied freshwater pomfret three times in July, two from Lake St. Clair and one from the Port Huron area, all on the east side of Michigan.
Red-bellied freshwater pomfret is popular in the Amazon basin of South America. Michigan's Department of Natural Resources said: "This red-bellied freshwater white pomfret, also known as piaractus brachypomus, is a popular ornamental fish imported from South America. The United States was the first to introduce this imported ornamental fish in the world, and it sponsors up to $1 billion a year to the world aquarium industry."
According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the fish has "human-like teeth" that, while scary, are only used to eat nuts and seeds. This fish also has strong jaws, very wide teeth, and prefers nutty-flavored foods.
Authorities believe that these red-bellied freshwater pomfrets were released into the lake by those who own pets, which is also inhumane. Animals that are accustomed to growing in closed environments may not be able to fend off invaders in the wild and may lack foraging experience.
Authorities do not consider freshwater white pomfrets to be an invasive species in Michigan because they are difficult to survive in harsh winter conditions.
Local officials say it's best to donate pets to environmental agencies, aquariums and zoos if they no longer want to take care of their pets. Giving it to someone else or sending it to a pet store is also an option.