WATERBURY — The Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife says a two-and-a-half pound fish native to South America and related to a piranha was found in the Otter Creek in Proctor.

Biologists say the pacu is an exotic aquarium fish that can quickly outgrow a home fish tank.

The 15-inch, plant-eating pacu was captured last week after employees of the Vermont Marble Power Division spotted it in the water.

Fisheries Biologist Shawn Good says the pacu would not have survived the cold water of winter.

But he says the release of aquarium fish is a common source of exotic species found in the waters of the United States.

Earlier this year the state passed a new regulation that limits the fish species that can be imported or possessed in Vermont.