Catch of the day: Perak Fisheries has actively combated non-native fish species, like the ikan bandaraya seen here in this photo, through collaborative initiatives such as awareness campaigns and alien fish hunting competitions in the Pinji and Kinta rivers.
PARIT: The Perak Fisheries Department is aiming for zero presence of alien fish species in the state’s rivers within the next five years, following concern over their impact on ecosystems and the survival of native fish species.
However, Perak Fisheries director Mohd Ghazali Abdul Manap said it would not be an easy task as non-indigenous fish species such as plecos (also known locally as ikan bandaraya), tilapia, redtail catfish and Chao Phraya giant catfish have long existed in public waters, especially in Perak.
