Photo: Facebook

The Pahang Fisheries Department is investigating claims that a red-bellied piranha was caught at Klau Dam in Raub.

The claim surfaced on social media after a local angler reportedly landed the predatory fish and shared photos of the catch online.

Pahang Fisheries Department director Roslan Abu Hasan said officers have been deployed to the area to gather more information and verify whether the fish is indeed a red-bellied piranha which scientifically known as Pygocentrus nattereri.

He said the department is taking the claim seriously, although the reported sighting has yet to be confirmed.

The post has also raised concerns over the possible impact of the invasive species on the freshwater ecosystem if its presence at the dam is verified.

 Red-bellied piranhas are native to South America particularly the Amazon Basin and are not a species permitted in Malaysian waters.

Roslan said the department will assess the findings of its investigation before deciding on the appropriate mitigation measures.

Source: Astro Awani