Yesterday at a local pond, I caught a fish that I've never seen before. It was probably a house pet that was released into the pond. It had a black head, red body, dark round eyes that popped out, shape of a bluegill, size of my hand and it didn't have a tail, the top fins extend from the back all the way to the tail end.

I was able to lip it and release it back into the water, but I had thoughts on letting it die in case it was invasive or whatever. Any ideas? Sorry, I forgot to take a picture of it.

sounds like an tiger oscar , they have similar shape to blue gills and are black usually with a reddish orange body

Thanks, it was a tiger oscar and they seem to be an invasive species. I knew I should left it to die, but I hope it's not too bad if anyone can give more information about this. The pond is not that big.

My thoughts were if it ain't suppose to be in there then it shouldn't be, but my gf told me to put it back so I did.

My guess is that it won't be able to survive the winter, but I could be wrong. They are mean little cusses, atleast in an aquarium. Next one, I'd throw on the bank.

NGaHB

It won't make it for long below 60°.

It won't make it for long below 60°.

Yup...it won't survive....not where you live.

I had 3 of them in a fish tank. They do get BIG!

If you catch a fish and don't know what it is, it's probably best to hold onto it until you can get an ID on it. That way if it is an invasive species that could be harmful to native animals it might be able to be contained to that body of water before they spread.

I'm glad to hear it won't survive the winter. Maybe that's the reason why they aren't banned here in Ontario. Next one won't be put back and that goes for all others as well.