UFOs are here!!!

I read about invasive species in the news recently (NST, 6 Oct 2008 - see picture below). Interestingly, only NOW people are aware about the danger this unwanted foreign organisms (UFOs) in our waters. Peacock bass has been in the country for many, many years. It was regarded as an excellent sport fish for it fighting ability when hooked but the damage it could has to the ecosystem is huge as it is one of the ferocious killing machine in our waters.

There are at least six species of peacock bass known to date. The biggest is probably Cichla temensis (speckled peacock bass, also known as three-barred peacock bass while spawning) that can grew up to 90cm long. One of the most popular species in ornamental fish trade is Cichla ocellaris (butterfly peacock bass). All adult male of peacock bass has a pronounced hump on their forehead. All species has a small black spot surrounded by a white circle on caudal fin that the name 'peacock' was adopted to the species.

I totally agree with.. "DHI Water and Environment Sdn Bhd environmental consultant Mohd Zambri Mohd Akhir is particularly concerned about the threat posed by the peacock bass."

It is not surprised to know ""Now you can find these fish in Chenderoh, the most downstream dam in Perak. If it enters the other river systems in Malaysia that has unique local species, it is going to cause irreversible damage," warned Zambri."

I believed Zambri (a friend of mine, btw) must has the proof as he is an avid angler, himself!

Apart from this species, our water has been invaded by more than 20 fish species of which its impact on local, native species is unknown!



To relevant authorities, it's not too late to control the invasion if YOU ACT NOW!!

To Zambri, I say "Good observation, bro!"