PETALING JAYA: There is no evidence a piranha population has established itself in Klau Dam, Pahang, says the Fisheries Department.
Claims arose recently of a piranha being caught there, with photos of the fish going viral on social media.
In a press statement on Thursday (Sept 17), the department said the fish caught on Aug 26 had characteristics consistent with the Pygocentrus genus, which includes piranhas. However, the department said it could not conclusively identify the species as there was no physical specimen available for examination. The fish died after it was caught and promptly discarded.
Fisheries director-general Datuk Adnan Hussain said there was only one reported sighting of such fish in the area so far.
He said the Pahang Fisheries Department as of Sept 15 had found no other fish of the same species.
"Based on the data and evidence obtained so far, there is no evidence indicating there is a piranha population at Klau Dam.
"The public need not panic but the department will continue targeted monitoring to ensure any new developments are identified and appropriate action taken," he said
"The Fisheries Department stresses that releasing potentially invasive foreign fish species into public waters is an irresponsible act as it can affect inland aquatic ecosystems, local fish populations and aquatic biodiversity.
"If a fish suspected to be a foreign species is caught, do not release it back into the water.
"Keep the specimen if it is still suitable and immediately contact the nearest fisheries office for further examination and analysis, including DNA testing if necessary," he said.
