Sri Lanka Bans Four Dangerous Ornamental Fish

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has officially banned the import, possession, and sale of four ornamental fish species deemed harmful to the local ecosystem.

The banned species include:

Knifefish
Redline Snakehead
Alligator Gar
Piranha

According to Director Susanta Kahawatta, the decision was made due to the environmental threat these species pose, particularly to Sri Lanka’s native freshwater fish populations.

All four species are known to be highly invasive. If released into natural water bodies, they can rapidly establish populations, outcompete native species, and disrupt ecological balance.

These fish are predatory and aggressive, often feeding on smaller fish, amphibians, and even birds. Their presence can lead to the decline or extinction of native aquatic species.