The Department of Fisheries and Animal Husbandry in Bihar state, India, issued a safety warning on 2/9 for the West Champaran and Gopalganj districts. This followed reports from residents who discovered numerous unusually shaped fish in the Gandak River and surrounding flooded areas.
According to authorities, floodwaters from Nepal, flowing into the Gandak river system, swept fish from ponds, rivers, and nearby aquatic habitats far downstream. During this journey, these fish likely came into contact with polluted sewers, decaying animal carcasses, and other contaminants, raising the risk of bacterial, viral, and fungal infections on their bodies.
Authorities strongly advise residents against purchasing or consuming any unfamiliar fish, even those resembling common species. The advisory stresses that any fish of unknown origin is unfit for human consumption. The government also urged individuals experiencing symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath after eating unusual fish to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest healthcare facility.
Sameer Kumar Sinha, Country Director of the Wildlife Trust of India, stated that most of the fish found drifting into the Gandak River area have been identified as Bagarius bagarius, commonly known as goonch catfish or by its local name, "Gochita".
This predatory freshwater catfish inhabits fast-flowing rivers across India, Nepal, and parts of Southeast Asia. Its diet consists of small fish, crabs, and other aquatic organisms. The species typically conceals itself in rock crevices within deep waters with strong currents.
Sinha added that while local communities often consume this fish, its meat quickly spoils after death. Ingesting decomposed fish can pose significant health risks. Furthermore, the goonch catfish is currently listed as a threatened species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Residents are urged to strictly adhere to the state government's directives to ensure their safety.
Mai Phuong (According to India Times)
