In a freshwater canal surrounded by mangroves in southern Guatemala, hundreds of baby tropical gars -- a torpedo-shaped fish with an alligator-like snout dubbed the "fossil fish" -- are released into the wild.
The fry were raised in tanks by the Marine Conservation Center of Guatemala City's La Aurora Zoo and then taken by boat to their natural habitat.
This is the first time that the species, which is threatened by illegal fishing, pollution and extreme weather events exacerbated by the El Nino weather pattern, has been raised in captivity.
The tropical gar (Atractosteus tropicus) is considered prehistoric by scientists because it has survived without morphological changes for 100 million years.
It is a smaller relative of the alligator gar, one of the largest freshwater fish in North America.
Adults can reach 1.2 meters (four feet) in length and weigh about 10 kilograms (22 pounds).
It plays "a very important role" in Guatemala's freshwater ecosystem, Jennifer Hernandez, deputy head of conservation at La Aurora Zoo, explained to AFP.
Being a carnivorous fish it helps maintain "balance" in rivers, she explained.
The fish is designated as "vulnerable" in Guatemala.
"It is a species that, in years to come, could reach a much more critical state,” Gaitan warned.
Latest stories
Europe Deadly abbey attack feeds anti-Ukrainian sentiment in Poland
A deadly knife attack at a Polish abbey by a 31-year-old Ukrainian citizen has reignited online hate following months of strained relations...
Climate and Environment Bangkok declares disaster after homes flooded, roads submerged by heavy rain
Bangkok authorities declared a flood disaster across the Thai capital on Saturday after almost 48 hours of heavy rain left homes, shops and roads waterlogged...
Sports Antonelli says he drove 'safety-first' on his worst weekend of season
World championship leader Kimi Antonelli said his performance in Saturday's Azerbaijan Grand Prix was his worst of the year after victorious Mercedes team-mate George Russell trimmed...