New home found for "alligator" spotted on the prowl in Marbella lake

First the giant fish had to be caught, however, which proved difficult for the angling experts who went to La Represa last Friday armed with a large net. Their three attempts failed when the fish bit through the net.

The rescue operation was left until Monday, when the alligator gar was eventually captured, with the help of the head of local fishermen's guild, Manuel Haro.

The alligator gar gets its name from its head which resembles that of a crocodile: elongated with sharp teeth. It only feeds on animals smaller than itself, however, and poses no threat to humans.

It is thought that it was thrown into the park's pond when it was smaller.