![Piranha Found in LSU Lakes](http://townsquare.media/site/33/files/2021/05/GettyImages-980374761.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Piranha Found in LSU Lakes
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries report they found a Red-bellied piranha in an LSU lake. Now they're trying to make sure they're aren't any more.
The Red-bellied piranha is native to South America, more specifically the Amazon Basin.
I think this piranha is looking for the wrong basin.
Wikipedia says "acoustic communication is common, and is sometimes exhibited along with aggressive behaviors. Through media influence, the red-bellied piranha has developed a reputation as a ferocious predator, though this is not actually the case. They are a popular aquarium fish."
So, they won't usually swarm and eat and tear something, or someone, to the bone...but don't test them.
Are Piranhas Illegal in Louisiana?
Yep, they certainly are. The Red-bellied piranha is illegal to own or sell in Louisiana.
OK, so how did this piranha wind up at LSU?
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries suspects someone had the piranha as a pet "then illegally released into the lakes. LDWF added that it's investigating whether there are more of the illicit fish in the University Lakes system" according to WBRZ.com.
Hopefully this will be the only piranha found swimming in the waters around LSU.
WATCH OUT: These are the deadliest animals in the world
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