--- title: "Piranha Perch in Kyiv: Invasive Predator Takes Over Capital Water Bodies" description: "Aggressive \"piranha perch\" spotted in Kyiv water bodies. An expert explains that this is an invasive species from the USA that threatens the local ecosystem but is not dangerous to swimmers. 🐟🚫" date: 2026-07-26T06:04:00.000Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/piranha-perch-in-kyiv-invasive-predator-takes-over-capital-water-bodies tags: [kyiv, invasive-species, sunny-bass, ecology, dnieper-basin] publisher: "XAB.info" --- # Piranha Perch in Kyiv: Invasive Predator Takes Over Capital Water Bodies ![Piranha bass in its natural habitat among aquatic vegetation](https://xab.info/media/2026/07/26/okun-piranya-v-kieve-invazivnyy-hishhnik-zakhvachivaet-stolichnye-vodoemy/okun-piranya-v-kieve-invazivnyy-hishhnik-zakhvachivaet-stolichnye-vodoemy-1.webp) In Kyiv, at Verbyne Lake, local fishermen witnessed the appearance of an unusual "guest." A sunfish, colloquially known by the striking and frightening nickname "piranha perch," was spotted in the coastal waters. This alien species is not limited to a single lake and is actively spreading to other water bodies in the Ukrainian capital. RBC-Ukraine discussed the nature of the appearance of this species and the real level of threat it poses to the ecosystem with Leonid Izerghin, Director of the Institute of Fisheries, Marine Ecology, and Oceanography. ### The Myth of the "Piranha" and the Real Danger The common sunfish (Lepomis gibbosus), or pumpkinseed, is an alien species to the ichthyofauna of Ukraine. It has successfully naturalized in local water bodies and belongs to invasive species that continue to expand their habitat range. Expert Leonid Izerghin clarifies the situation regarding the name: "The popular name 'piranha perch' is sensational and scientifically incorrect. Piranhas belong to a different family (Serrasalmidae), are tropical South American fish, and have no connection to the sunfish". The fish received the nickname solely due to its voraciousness. Visually, the sunfish differs from local species with its bright coloration: its back is green-olive, orange spots and dark stripes are located on the sides, while the belly and fins are yellow. In Ukrainian water bodies, this predator grows up to 20 cm, with an average weight of about 600 grams. ### Threat to the Biodiversity of the Dnipro The sunfish is characterized by high ecological plasticity, an aggressive nature in colonizing new territories, and the ability to rapidly increase its population. It is precisely these factors that explain the growth in the frequency of its detection in urban water bodies. In the Dnipro basin, including water bodies within the city limits of Kyiv, the species has been present for a long time. Scientists have registered it, for example, in Desentsi. However, an accurate assessment of the population in specific water bodies of the capital requires targeted monitoring research. Specialists emphasize that the spread of alien fauna is one of the main threats to biodiversity. "This is an invasive alien species, so it threatens the indigenous ichthyofauna by aggressively colonizing new biotopes and creating competition for local species. In scientific works, the sunfish is included in the 'Black List' of dangerous invasive species of the Dnipro reservoirs," explains Izerghin. The mechanisms of the threat include: - **Aggression during spawning:** Males build nests and aggressively defend the spawning area, which negatively affects the spawning of local species. - **Competition for food:** The sunfish consumes aquatic invertebrates, entering into direct competition with indigenous fish for the food base. ### Where the "American" Came From and How to Fight It The native habitat of the sunfish is the fresh water bodies of North America. It was brought to Europe as early as the late 19th century, including as a decorative aquarium fish. In Ukrainian water bodies, the species has been present since at least the first half of the 20th century. Its appearance in Kyiv is a manifestation of long-term spread within the already populated Dnipro basin, rather than a new introduction. The population of the species in the Dnipro Reservoir originates from the Potomac River basin (USA). In the cascade of Dnipro reservoirs, the species spreads along two vectors, facilitated by the warm climate and changes in the hydrological regime of water bodies due to human activity. One of the documented routes of introduction is the release of aquarium fish into natural water bodies, as well as the spread of fishery activities and independent resettlement along connected waterways. "The local appearance of the species is facilitated by humans through the release of aquarium specimens, transporting fish between water bodies, and using them as live bait," adds Izerghin. ### Recommendations for the Public Despite its aggressive nature, the sunfish is not dangerous to humans. The only caveat concerns the sharp spiny rays of the anterior dorsal fin, which can cause injury if handling the caught fish carelessly. This species does not pose a danger while swimming. It is practically impossible to completely eradicate a naturalized and widely distributed invasive species. The scientific approach lies in monitoring the invasive process, assessing ecological risks, and preventing the spread of the species. The expert calls on citizens to be responsible: do not release aquarium fish into natural water bodies, do not transport fish between water bodies, and do not use live specimens as bait. It is also important not to release caught specimens back into the water. The decision on measures to regulate the population lies within the competence of the State Fisheries Agency and other authorized state bodies.