The NARA Institute has found that the aggressive predator fish that destroys the other fish resources in Deduru Oya is a species called channa micropeltes (Giant snakehead).
The Giant Snakehead prefers lakes, reservoirs, canals, and rivers-most commonly deep, standing or slow flowing water (Courtenay and Williams, 2004).
It nests in a circular area that the parents clear of vegetation. The eggs rise in the water column where they are guarded by parents even after they hatch. The Giant Snakehead is a daytime predator, feeding on fishes, frogs and birds. It has a reputation of being very aggressive and even attacking humans.
This freshwater fish native to Southeast Asia when fully grown can come up to over 20 Kg. NARA said the giant snakehead poses a serious threat to other fishes in the reservoir. The fishermen say due to the presence of the Giant Snakehead, the daily fish harvest of the fishermen at every fishing pier in the reservoir is affected. NARA Institute’s Chief Scientist Ramani Shiranthi a study is being carried out by the NARA regarding measures to control the spread of the fish to minimise the impact of this fish on the freshwater fishing industry.