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GEORGE TOWN – After going unrecorded for about 15 years, the reappearance of a kanai or tembaring fish in Sungai Kuala has caught the attention of the Fisheries Department.
The species was caught by a local fisherman on Aug 30, marking a significant find for the country's fisheries records based on information from the local fishing community.
According to the department, the kanai fish, scientifically known as Lutjanus goldiei, is a predatory species found in river estuaries known as a premium sport fish due to its exceptional strength and endurance.
"This species is more commonly found in Sabah and Papua New Guinea, making its appearance in Penang waters a notable observation in terms of geographical distribution," it said in a statement on Tuesday.
The Fisheries Department said the kanai fish typically inhabits estuarine and tide-affected riverbank areas, as well as areas with mangrove and nipah vegetation.
According to the department, such habitats serve as shelter and a food source for the species.
"The discovery in Sungai Kuala shows that the location has ecological conditions suitable for this species," it said.
Meanwhile, the department said the kanai fish is a native species and is different from the black bass species (Micropterus salmoides).
"As such, we encourage the practice of catch and release for the kanai fish, as it is rarely found and sensitive to environmental changes.
"This step is important for conservation purposes as well as to ensure the continued survival of the species' population in the country's waters," it said.
