Motihari / Patna : A peculiar discovery in Bihar’s Motihari district has sparked curiosity and concern among locals and experts alike. A fish, described as having four eyes and wings resembling those of an airplane, was caught in the Aruna river near the India-Nepal border, leaving the community both fascinated and alarmed.
Discovery in Aruna River
The unusual fish was caught by local youths fishing in Peethwa village, within the Jharokhar police station area. According to eyewitnesses, the fish’s strange features immediately drew a crowd of onlookers. Many reported that similar unusual species have been spotted in rivers across East Champaran district in recent months.
Identified as an Invasive Species
Dr. Nutan Kumari, the District Fisheries Officer, identified the creature as a sucker mouth catfish, a species native to the Amazon river in South America. “This fish is completely carnivorous and poses a serious threat if released into local water bodies, particularly the Ganga,” Dr. Kumari warned. “It preys on other aquatic creatures, which can disrupt the river’s ecosystem and endanger indigenous species.”
A Growing Threat in Bihar
This is not the first instance of the sucker mouth catfish being found in Bihar’s water bodies. Similar reports have surfaced from Bagaha and Kahalgaon, indicating that the species is spreading rapidly. Experts fear that its unchecked presence could severely impact aquatic biodiversity in the region.
Cause for Concern
The mystery surrounding how this invasive species reached Bihar remains unresolved. Experts have raised concerns that if the catfish continues to proliferate, it could threaten the delicate balance of the Ganga’s ecosystem. “If this species spreads in large numbers, it could spell disaster for native aquatic life,” Dr. Kumari added, urging immediate action to contain its spread.
