The discovery of two species of South American fish in the Tri An Reservoir, southern Viet Nam, has prompted the Dong Nai Provincial Fisheries Department to seek tighter control of ornamental fish.
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| A Hoang De or Peacock Bass is caught in Tri An Reservoir. This fierce fish is able to change an ecological system when introduced |
The discovery of two species of South American fish in the Tri An Reservoir, southern
The alien fish are Hoang De, or Peacock Bass and Chim Trang, or Colossoma Brachypomum.
Inquiries by department officials found that Vinh-Cuu District fisherman Tran Dai Nghia bought five pairs of Hoang De at the Luu Son Tinh Market,
Each pair produced about 1,000 fry each mating season.
Tran Dai Nghia released the fish into the reservoir when the market collapsed in 2002.
The fish have since thrived and the biggest yet caught was 20cm long and weighed about 1kg.
Scientists say Hoang De is a fierce fish that eats any creature available and is therefore able to change an ecological system.
Chim Trang is also a fierce carnivorous fish. If they become a large school, they too can destroy the eco system.
Dong Nai Provincial Fisheries Department officials say the Chim Trang escaped from aquariums during heavy rain and floods.
The department wants the provincial Aqua-produce Protection Department to co-ordinate with scientists to research the impact of the escapees on the Tri An Reservoir and to prevent further damage.
(Source: VNS)
