Non-Native Gar Fish Found On Banks Of Farmington River: DEEP

FARMINGTON, CT — A gar — a pre-historic-looking fish that is not native to Connecticut — was found on the banks of the Farmington River, officials from the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection said Friday.

The fish was discovered along a section of the river in Farmington, DEEP officials said it was "not doing well," DEEP officials added.

"This fish is not native to Connecticut and does not belong here," DEEP officials said.

Fossils of fish resembling the gar can be traced back to the Jurassic period.

Gars have long, slender bodies with jaws full of sharp teeth.

A gar found on the banks of the Farmington River. (CT DEEP)

"We are not sure how this fish came to rest on this rock, but we do know that it should not be here at all," DEEP officials said. "The release of fish into the environment, no matter how well-intentioned, is illegal without a liberation permit. The permitting system is in place to protect our fish communities from introduction of potential invasive species, disruption of the ecosystem, damage to existing fisheries, and to prevent introduction of diseases."

DEEP officials said other strange fish we found "well out of place" over the years are:

• Pacus
• Oscars
• Goldfish
• Plecos
• Pike
• White Perch
• Alewife
• Other bait species