Do you know this fish?

[left-of-center2012]

Armstrong County fisherman gets rare catch in Allegheny River

It sure doesn't look like anything you'd expect to find in the river.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District was asking people on its Facebook page Thursday morning to help identify a huge, long-nosed creature a fisherman caught in the Allegheny River near Lock and Dam 9 south of East Brady in Armstrong County.

"This fish looks like a prehistoric creature, but it was caught at Allegheny River Lock 9. Does anyone know what type of fish it is? If you do, name that fish."

Fisherman Aaron Thompson posted pictures of himself with his catch on the Steel City Anglers Facebook group. According to his post, he caught it Tuesday morning.

"Allegheny lock #9 this morning!!! Super pumped!!!" Thompson said. He was using a picture of himself with the fish as the cover image for his own Facebook page.

Most of those commenting were saying that what he caught was a paddlefish.

"That is awesome, still some surprises in the river from time to time," Brandon Berry said.

Asked what bait he had used, Thompson replied that paddlefish eat plankton and that it was a "completely accidental catch." He said it took about 20 minutes to bring in, and that he released it "without harm."

American paddlefish are an endangered and protected species.

"I tell people all the time that picture is all you need," Thompson said.

A representative of the state Fish and Boat Commission could not immediately be reached for comment.

[Bayard]

1. Glad to see he released it

[NightWatcher]

2. I know that fish. His name is Paul and his wife is pissed that he's late.

[longship]

4. I knew Paul, too.

We went to school together.

[sharp_stick]

3. It's a Paddlefish

Really nice to see it in the Allegheny, now if we can keep that piece of shit Scott Pruitt occupied he may not have time to allow companies to pollute the hell out of it again. Seeing species like this come back is one big reason clean water regulations are needed.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paddlefish

[flying_wahini]

5. Sure seems like he is hurting it the way he is holding it... ?

Almost crushing the tail end.... you thinK?