Don't Let it Loose - Dispose of Aquatic Pets and Plants Properly

Type: Nontidal
Region: Southern
Location: Crofton Lake

What type of fish is this beautiful thing? He\she had three teeth, one on bottom two up top. Caught on 6/3/2015 at a lake in Crofton, MD. Wasn't sure the species of the fish so I put it back in. Hopefully that was the right choice. Thanks for any help.

DNR Response: The fish is apparently a jaguar cichlid which comes from Central America. They are very popular in the aquarium trade and it would appear someone was irresponsible in releasing it into the pond. Releasing exotic species into the environment is illegal and irresponsible. The jaguar cichlid is a highly predatory fish that eats primarily small fish. It can protrude it jaw over 6% of its body length to catch prey. Hopefully this specimen will die this winter when the water temperatures in the pond become too cold for it to survive.