SciencePhoto: HT WorldPeacock Bass Introduced in Panama in 1969 Wiped Out 60% Native Fish
In 1969, Panama introduced 60 to 100 peacock bass from Colombia into a pond for sport fishing. Some escaped into Gatun Lake, the main passage of the Panama Canal, where they became top predators. By the early 1970s, they colonized the lake, leading to a 60% decline in native fish species. Scientists continue to study the long-term ecological impact.
HT World·


