LEANDER, Texas — A colorful fish recently caught in a Central Texas lake is bad news, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Someone caught the non-native hybrid Peacock Cichlid in the South Fork San Gabriel River near Leander, north of Austin.
TPWD warns it's an invasive fish that can introduce disease, compete with native species and harm natural ecosystems.
There are 22 types of Peacock Cichlids that are popular for aquariums because of their vibrant colors, according to Live Fish Direct. The males have bolder, brighter colors and that's why they're called the "peacocks of the fish world."
Despite their tropical appearance, they are freshwater fish that typically come from Lake Malawi. Africa.
TPWD says you should never dump aquarium species into the wild and if you catch one, don't release it. Instead, send photos and the location to aquaticinvasives@tpwd.texas.gov.