Most recent sightings Even Lake Como has its own legend that talks about a monster roaming its waters called Lariosauro (Lariosaurus). The presence of fish monsters has become one of the main Garda related news in the past few years.

The "scary fish" most often associated with Lake Como is the legendary Lariosauro (locally nicknamed "Larrie"), the Italian equivalent of the Loch Ness Monster. While based on the real fossil of a Lariosaurus balsami—a prehistoric aquatic reptile about 1 meter long that lived 235 million years ago—modern sightings describe something much more terrifying. Since 1946, various reports have claimed to see a 10-meter-long creature with reddish scales or a giant "eel-like" beast swimming in the deep, dark waters of the lake. From a biological perspective, the "scariest" actual inhabitants in 2026 are massive Pike or Catfish, which can reach impressive sizes and have a somewhat predatory appearance. However, the Lariosauro remains the dominant local myth, with fossils of the creature still on display at Vezio Castle, adding a layer of prehistoric mystery to one of Italy's most romantic and beautiful tourist destinations.