Kandy Lake threatened by Alligator Gar invasion

The carnivorous Alligator Gar, an invasive fish species that grows to a length of 9 feet and weighs about 300 pounds, is posing a serious threat of spreading in the Kandy Lake, thus endangering the biodiversity of the ecological zone surrounding the lake.

Environmentalists warn that if these fish are not promptly removed from the lake, their predation on, not only fish, but also birds, will lead to a further increase in the alligator population, making it uncontrollable.

Sightings of these fish have been reported at various locations in Kandy Lake, from near Ulpan Ge to Mahamaya Girls’ Primary School, with several people sharing related photos on social media.

Chief Inspector of Police Laknath Yapa, OIC of the Kandy Lake Police Life Saving Division, stated that during an inspection prompted by reports of a large fish resembling a crocodile in the lake, the relevant fish was observed, and the NARA Institute and the Irrigation Department were notified accordingly.

According to Dr. Naleen Gamaarachchige, Deputy Director (Research and Environmental Management) of Peradeniya University’s Center for Sustainable Environment, photographs of the fish in Kandy Lake indicate that it resembles an alligator, hence its name. He highlighted that this fish species, native to South and Central America, is considered invasive in other countries, and there is a risk of significant future problems due to the release of these fish into water sources after being kept as pets for some time.

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