GEORGE TOWN, Sept 1 (Bernama) -- The discovery of rare ikan kanai or tembaring (black bass) (Lutjanus goldiei) in Sungai Kuala, here, last Saturday, marked a rare occurrence, as the species is believed not to have been caught in the state’s waters for about 15 years.
The Penang Fisheries Department (JPNPP) said the specimen was caught by a local fisherman in the area, adding that the kanai is an estuarine predatory species, renowned as a premium sport fish due to its exceptional strength and endurance.
“Based on information from the local fishing community, the discovery was the first catch of ikan kanai in Sungai Kuala in about 15 years, and is significant in terms of the country’s fisheries records.
“The species is more commonly found in the estuarine areas of Sabah and Papua New Guinea, making its discovery in Penang waters an interesting observation in terms of its geographical distribution,” the department said in a Facebook post today.
According to JPNPP, ikan kanai typically inhabit estuarine areas and riverbanks affected by tides, as well as areas with mangrove and nipa vegetation, which provide shelter and food sources.
The department said that the discovery of the species in Sungai Kuala indicated that the area had suitable ecological conditions to support its presence.
It also stressed that ikan kanai (Lutjanus goldiei) is a local species and should not be confused with the largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), which has been introduced in other areas.
“Given that it is rarely found and sensitive to environmental changes, the department encourages catch-and-release practices for this species, for conservation purposes and to ensure the sustainability of its population in Malaysian waters,” it said.
-- BERNAMA