A peculiar discovery unfolded in Surat as Prakashbhai Parsottambhai Rathod, a resident of Malekpore village, stumbled upon an unfamiliar fish while fishing in the River Mindhola. Initially startled by the unusual catch, Rathod soon identified the fish as a Sour-Mouth Catfish.
News of the peculiar find quickly spread, drawing a crowd to Rathod’s residence. Jatin Rathore, President of Bardoli’s Friends of Animal Welfare Trust, rushed to the scene to examine the fish firsthand, confirming its identity as the sour-mouth catfish.
President Jatin Rathod highlighted the unique characteristics of the fish, noting its ability to thrive in aquariums when small but posing a threat to other fish as it grows larger. The discovery of such fish in the River Mindhola raises concerns about the local aquatic ecosystem.
One notable feature of the sour-mouth catfish is its resilience, capable of surviving for up to a day without water and enduring hunger for five days. With the potential to grow over three feet long, experts warn of its predatory nature, preying on other fish species and their eggs, thus disrupting the delicate balance of the ecosystem.
Speculation surrounds the origins of the fish, with suggestions that it may have been introduced into the river after being kept in an aquarium. Given that the sour-mouth catfish is not native to Indian water bodies, its presence in the River Mindhola poses challenges for local conservation efforts.
