Killer fish on the prowl

The increasing number of African Catfish (Clarias Garipineus), locally
called "African Mushi," appears to be a menace to the indigenous
inland water fauna in Wayanad district, a vital part of Nilgiri
Biosphere Reserve. This fish species is common in all the rivers and
brooks in the district, says Babu Mylambadi, secretary, Wayanad Nature
Protection group. The tribal people at Muthanga who go out for fishing
in Noolpuzha river these days get only this fish species instead of
the native fish varieties, he said. The experience of the tribal
fishermen at Muthanga is not an exceptional case. The main rivers in
the district such as Karapuzha, Narasipuzha, Talipuzha,
Mananthavadipuzha, Panamarampuzha and all other tributaries of Kabani
river have also been facing the same threat. As a result of the
uncontrolled growth of this species, availability of the native fish
varieties has declined, the tribal fishermen says. Fishing provides a
supplement income to the tribal people during the monsoon season when
jobs dry up. There are 53 indigenous species of endemic inland water
fish species identified in the Kabani river in a survey conducted from
2000 to 2005. The unique inland water fish species identified in the
survey include the Giant Mahseer (Torputitora) which are seen only in
Himalayan water bodies, ThonniVala (Silerrus Wayanadencis), Kallemutty
(Kantaka Vidorsalis ), Poovan (Schistura Striatus), Poocha Matsyam
(Glyptothorax Anamalaylensis). Experts say these species are unique in
the Kabani and cannot be seen elsewhere in the world. The increasing
population of the catfish may wipe out the indigenous fish varieties.
Due to the highly destructive nature of this fish, the Central and
State governments had issued orders to annihilate this killer fish in
2000. The rapid spread of the killer fish may adversely affect the
'Matsya Keralam' project in the district, Mr. Babu says.

The Hindu, July 9