JOIN USCultivation of the banned African cat fish (clarias gariepinus) continues to thrive in Bengaluru, officials from the Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute said.
The species of carnivorous fish is known to feed on all other species of fish and on water birds. However, farmers continue to breed the variety as it involves less maintenance, said the officials.
Speaking at Krishi Mela, Feroz Khan, scientist in-charge, Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Regional Centre, Bengaluru, said African cat fish were believed to be a threat for various reasons. “They is highly carnivorous. There have been incidents in the past where they have even eaten a baby. They are also known to be carcinogenic and rich in fat,” said Khan.
In the past, the fisheries department was alerted about the breeding happening in Doddaballpur and action was taken, but the illegal cultivation goes on.
Poisonous fish
The condition of Bengaluru lakes and tanks has been much spoken about in the recent past. Scientists from the Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute say the fish that Bengaluru residents consume is high in mercury and phosphorous content. With garbage and sewage being let into the lakes, where the fishery happens, they turn harmful for consumption.