Union Fisheries Development Commissioner Y S Yadav, in a letter addressed to Director/Commissioners of fisheries of State Governments, underscored the need for destroying the variety while highlighting the threat posed by the species.

By law, exotic fish varieties should be cleared by the National Committee on Introduction of Exotic Aquatic Species in Indian Waters, New Delhi. The committee consisting of Fisheries Development Commissioner and experts will study the necessity, relevance and impact the new variety is likely to create on the Indian aqua system before clearing its introduction.

Bypassing the law, the red piranha, the most voracious of the species, is being bred in different parts of the country and is now available in almost all aquaria in the State. The species is now available in the State at a price ranging between Rs 35 and Rs3000.

The Fisheries Development Commissioner, in his letter, pointed out that the exotic predatory red piranha (Pygocentrus Natteri) and other members of the sub-family have found access to the country through clandestine introduction for aquarium purpose, particularly in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

The piranhas are voracious predators and can pose threat to the endemic species if they gain entry into open waters. If the species breed in natural waters, they can gradually establish themselves in other waters ultimately leading to a major ecological disaster, he warned.