Hyderabad: A surge in the banned “sucker mouth fish” population at Cherrlapalli lake has left local fishermen worried about severe losses to their livelihoods.
Fishermen alleged that these fish feed on smaller native fish and their larvae, wiping out stocks and destroying their investments.
Locals described the sucker mouth fish, marked by dark stripes and sharp fins, as “devil fish,” a term that has also surfaced in connection with infestations reported recently in Suryapet, Palamuru, and Khammam lakes.
Officials said the species is believed to have entered Cherrlapalli lake two years ago after flowing downstream from Kolleru lake and has since multiplied rapidly.
Fishermen’s cooperative bodies, including the Maseegar Taaun Industrial Sangham, have demanded that the government compensate them for losses caused by the presence of the prohibited fish species.