Poisonous fish in Deduru Oya, a threat to other species

A large number of fisher families who live along the Deduru Oya reservoir in the Kurunegala district say some poisonous giant fish species are seen in the reservoir and they are harmful to other aquatic creatures.

A recent survey revealed that these poisonous snake headed fish species are a threat to other fish species in the reservoir and this situation has badly affected people who are engaged in the inland fishing industry.

It is said that these poisonous fish species have been identified as stone fish and such species are found in sandy areas, shallow lagoons and in lakes.

Experts say that sea snakes are highly venomous and live in coastal waters, lagoons, river mouths, lakes and estuaries.

According to Ruhuna University, Faculty of Medicine, Senior Lecturer in Parasitology Dr. Janaka Ruben these poisonous fish species have been identified as Gonmaha Stone fish and generally found in shallow waters.

Daduru Oya Fishermen Association (DFA) representative Ranjith Sumanasiri told the Daily News that these venomous fish species are living along Deduru Oya lake and this has become a threat to humans and also to fish and other aquatic living beings in Deduru Oya lake.

He said the livelihood of the majority people in this area is fishing and at least 70 percent of big and small fish in Deduru Oya are fast disappearing due to these deadly fish species.

“We request relevant authorities to look into this matter and take precautionary measures to protect the Deduru Oya reservoir from these deadly snake headed fish species unless it will be a threat to their livelihood activities as well as to other marine living beings”, he said.

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