Two Mysterious Fish Found in Lam Pao Dam Sent for Testing
Two suspected black-chin tilapia were caught in Lam Pao Dam in Kalasin province, prompting concerns about ecological damage and prompting authorities to test the specimens for species identification.
Fishers in Nong Sawang subdistrict, Nong Kung Sri district, Kalasin province have discovered two more suspected black-chin tilapia in Lam Pao Dam, raising concerns among local fishing communities about potential ecological damage and threats to the province's aquatic resources.
Pravatthee, a fisher who caught the specimens, said he found them while setting nets at the dam. The fish resembled tilapia but appeared different, so he brought them ashore for villagers to examine. He believes they are likely black-chin tilapia but says he is not particularly concerned. He noted that if the fish are edible and abundant, locals could prepare them as food in traditional dishes like tom yam and curry.
The appearance of black-chin tilapia at Lam Pao Dam raises questions about the species' dispersal across disconnected water systems throughout Thailand. Sources suggest the fish may have originated from Lam Phan Sat Reservoir in Sri Thaen district, Udon Thani province, which feeds into Lam Pao Dam upstream. However, similar sightings have not been reported in Udon Thani itself. Water flows from Lam Phan Sat connect to Lam Pao through tributaries from the Phu Phan mountains in Sakon Nakhon province, eventually joining the Chi River, which passes through Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, and Yasothon provinces before flowing south.
Experts suggest the fish may have been intentionally released by someone or may have arrived mixed with other aquatic animals purchased for farming in natural water sources, fish ponds, or fish cages. The two suspected specimens will be forwarded to the Kalasin Provincial Fisheries Office for detailed species identification and assessment of the outbreak situation in Lam Pao Dam.
