New: DOF Confirms Piranha-Like Fish Caught in Pahang Reservoir

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 18, 2026, The Department of Fisheries (DOF) has confirmed that a fish caught at Klau Dam, Raub, Pahang, on Aug. 26 displayed morphological features consistent with the Pygocentrus genus, commonly known as piranha.

Technical assessment by the Fisheries Research Institute in Glami Lemi, Negeri Sembilan, found the characteristics matched the genus, though species-level confirmation was impossible as the specimen was discarded before further analysis.

Piranha-Like Fish

DOF Director-General Datuk Adnan Hussain said only one fish has been reported, and field monitoring up to Sept. 15 found no evidence of additional catches or a breeding population. “There is no proof of an established piranha population at Klau Dam. The public should not panic, but monitoring will continue,” he said.

Adnan warned against releasing invasive species into public waters, stressing risks to ecosystems and native fish. He urged anyone catching suspected alien species to retain specimens and contact local fisheries offices.

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