I was at my neighbourhood aquarium shop, buying food for my fishes (haruan ekor merah, sepat etc), when I spotted this sinister fish staring at me from behind the glass.
It’s about 20 cm long, slim, green with brownish spots, with snout curved like Samo’s clip point blade.
It’s a …
…Northern Pike!!!
Yup, it’s baby, but it’s a pike alright!
The shopkeeper asked me what it is. I explained that it’s “Mat Salleh fish”, a predator, and can grow to 20kg or more, eats ducks for breakfast etc, and dangerous if let out in our lombongs and rivers.
I never thought pike could live in the tropics, can they?
I fear to think what would happen if this feller escapes to our lakes and rivers.[:(]
I rate pike to be less strong compared to our toman. But what warmwater pike can be, is another matter!
Anyway, the shop is in Bdr Sri Damansara (behind the Shell/Mobil stations), and fish is selling for RM180.
That’s quite disturbing. I hope they don’t get out into the wild.
Saying that though, they are not too dominating as a species and in the UK (same species - esox lucius) are slow growing and slow to breed. I have never seen them take over a pond or river.
I’m not sure that they could tolerate the constant warm water and low oxygen levels here (they are not air breathers like the snakehead species). The fact that they are called NORTHERN pike in the US hopefully means that they cannot thrive in the warmer, southern waters. They are however great sport fish if the water and temp is right and often are very acrobatic. If the temp is too low they will be lethargic (cold blooded) too high and the disolved oxygen content of the water is too low and they will tire very quickly.
Maybe they could adapt to living here, but they shouldn’t be given the chance. The scarey thing is whoever buys that fish will either need an aquarium at least 8 feet in length or else it will outgrow its space very quickly…and we all know what irresponsible people do with fish (and terrapins and snakes etc) that have grown too big for their tank.
Why did the shopkeeper ask what it was??? He bought the damn thing..!! Is it an illegal fish to (knowingly) import and own? That shows severe malpractice IMO - knowing what the fish is and buying it or (possibly worse) buying a fish that you don’t know what it is… How was it labelled in the shop?
JB,
Thanks for the heads up. Looks like our Malaysian attitude will always remain the same - MONEY first, everything else can come later.
We already have our hands full with the PBs, Flower horn, JCs, Red Emperor, Tiger Cichlids and God know what else!
Looks like there is a new generation of RLs running around![:(]
What can we do? I mean, as responsible anglers who care for the future of our local fish stock. Short of buying the fish from the shop and culling it or donating it to Zoo Negara. It would only encourage the shopkeeper to bring in more; since there is a demand for it!!!
JB,
The petrol stations you mentioned; are they the ones next to the McD drive-thru? A speedy answer would be appreciated.
Yup, that’s the one. The aquarium shop is beside a motorbike repair shop. Now, let’s see who gets there first, you or Vince…
Fizzy,
ACtually, the wife is handling the business. The one who asked me was the husband, who helps her out. But I bet she didn;t know either. It’s written “Northern pike” on the glass tank.
Another guy there mistook it as one of the alligator gars[:)]
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quote:Originally posted by LaPala Saw 2 letters to the editors already, on in Star yesterday and the other New Straits Times today. GOt any feed back kah?
And what about survival & breeding potential of Pike in our waters that’s much hotter than their original habitat? Bolehkah?
NO feedback so far except from NST. (BTW, the NST letter was more to the original copy sent to the media.) One question they asked was; “which authority is in charge?”
Now that’s an interesting question. Should it be the Vet dept or Perhilitan? Anyone got an answer to that? Who issues permits for importation of animals for the pet trade? Who governs this business?
BTW, seen the pike in question. It’s a 20 cm bugger but it did not seem lethargic due to our warmer weather. It was busy chomping on the longkang fish in its tank. Lets hope no one releases it into the wild!!!
Actually I think maybe we should find out about the breeding possibility of pike in warm waters first before jumping all over this subject. “Somebody” must have allowed the importation of a specimen, that somebody will be who the complains should be sent if pike can breed prolifically in our waters. But pikes are active in summer and can last thru very cold winters, so it’s highly possible all warm weather be very good for it?
quote:Originally posted by LaPala Actually I think maybe we should find out about the breeding possibility of pike in warm waters first before jumping all over this subject. "Somebody" must have allowed the importation of a specimen, that somebody will be who the complains should be sent if pike can breed prolifically in our waters. But pikes are active in summer and can last thru very cold winters, so it's highly possible all warm weather be very good for it?
And just when has there ever been accountability? And by then, dont you think it would be too late?
We are not like US where we are willing to spend money to poison the pond to remove the alien specie and then restock it again.
We rather give priority to contemplate on purchasing a used rocket rather then spend on much needed projects that actually benefit the people![:(]
Farrell et al. (1996) found a range 4.4–17.2C for pike spawning.
Inskip (1982) presents a suitability function, in which the
maximal suitability is assumed for peak weekly average temperatures
of 19 to 26 degC. Temperatures over 32 degC can kill Northern
Pike within several days.
The Pike (Esox lucius)
Scientific Name of The Pike: Esox lucius
Maximum Weight: 70lb (32kg)
Maximum Length: 4ft 2in (1.27M)
Average Size Caught: 7-8lb (3.2-3.6kg)
Life Span: 18-25 Years
The Pike is without doubt the largest of all the predatory fish found in the UK. It’s camouflage, coloring, eyesight and body shape make the Pike a very successful hunter. Pike tend to hide in weeds waiting for their prey to come to them rather than chase it. When the light is poor, they rely on their very efficient sense of smell. The favorite food of the Pike is Fish. A fifth to a tenth of its own body weight is the size of prey they mainly feed on, but they can take much larger prey. Small mammals and water fowl can also fall prey to the Pike. The best time to catch a Pike is difficult to say as this is dependant on their breeding cycle and water temperature. Sixty percent of a Pike’s yearly food intake is consumed in the two months after spawning which takes place around March and April. Female pike feed heavily around February as this is when their Ovaries are starting to develop. Little feeding takes place during the Summer months when the Pike are less active due to the higher water temperatures.
JungleBum,
Interesting topic - unfortunately i’ve more bad news for you - I work in the Pet Foods Industry as a salesguy and some of my customers include aquariams that stock petfoods .. the pike you saw is not an isolated incident : i’ve seen the same fish elsewhere in other shops in Selangor as well as in KL ( about 2 or 3 shops, if memory serves )
Maybe / Hopefully I’ve mis-identified those predators in those shops … hopefully they are just GarFish - but from your description .. I dont think so .. sure looks like the Northern Pikes .. the last time I was at this particular shop was abt three weeks ago .. will be dropping tomorrow for a visit - wanna look at the fish again .. never thought of somebody buying the critter and then releasing it into a lombong … Jeeez ..
quote:Originally posted by fishie JungleBum,
Interesting topic - unfortunately i've more bad news for you - I work in the Pet Foods Industry as a salesguy and some of my customers include aquariams that stock petfoods .. the pike you saw is not an isolated incident : i've seen the same fish elsewhere in other shops in Selangor as well as in KL ( about 2 or 3 shops, if memory serves )
Maybe / Hopefully I’ve mis-identified those predators in those shops … hopefully they are just GarFish - but from your description .. I dont think so .. sure looks like the Northern Pikes .. the last time I was at this particular shop was abt three weeks ago .. will be dropping tomorrow for a visit - wanna look at the fish again .. never thought of somebody buying the critter and then releasing it into a lombong … Jeeez ..
Will update once I get confirmation.
fishie,
We know that it is not an isolated incident. What we are trying to do is educate the public on the destructive impact of the alien fishes on our local species and to jolt the authorities into reality on their “tidak apa” attitude when it comes to importation of animals.
For too long, the pet trade has been importing exotics species into Malaysia without a care. as a petfood sales personnel, I am sure you are aware of the various kinds pf alien snakes, tarantulas, etc that are readily available in Malaysia!
To top this off, we have an HSBC advertisement on tv now that shows the father of a family releasing the family boa constrictor into the wild before they shift out of the country. Definately not something anyone should emulate where responsible pet ownership is concerned!
Hahaha .. what can I say .. i’m sure most of us who lives in ‘Bolehland’ are already familiar with the lackasaidal attitude of the ‘powers to be’ .. most of the time a strong reaction will only be seen when there is an enormous public outcry about something ..
Unfortunately when the pot simmers over everyone forgets and pretends that it never happened .. look at the Nurul Jazlin case .. all that hue and cry .. and now ? I dont see any updates anymore about the investigations .. so is that all ? What about the parents ? Sheeesh …
Hopefully the Pike wont have a chance to enter our waters .. otherwise we can pretty much kiss goodbye to our local species - as it is they are already on the brink of extinction ..
WE refer to the letter Protect Local Species (Sunday Star, Nov 11).
The Department of Fisheries would like to thank Richard Chuan from the Malaysian Angling Association</font id=“green”> for bringing to our attention the existence of the Northern Pike Fish or commonly known as ‘Water Wolf’, which he alleges</font id=“red”> is being sold at a pet shop in Bandar Sri Damansara.
The department would like to remind the public that it is an offence under the Fisheries Act 1985 (Section 40) to import into, or export out of, Malaysia live fish without a permit issued by the Fisheries director-general. Any person found guilty shall be liable to a fine not exceeding RM20,000 or a term of imprisonment not exceeding two years, or both.
We are aware there is a growing demand among hobbyists to have exotic and rare species of fish to be kept as pets.
Although the department is promoting the ornamental fish industry, we do not allow any alien species to be brought in.
Pet shop operators who wish to import new species of live fish that may be considered as alien species should refer to the department for advice and approval.
HALIJAH MAT SIN, Public Relations Officer,
Department of Fisheries Malaysia
</font id=“quote”></blockquote id=“quote”>
The told us what importers are liable but didn’t say anything about if they took any action.
Richard time to send them another letter? And notice Haji says u allege got “water wolf” heh heh, u should include pictorial proof lar.
quote:Originally posted by LaPala Fizzy, good info so we can conclude Pike can breed here? Or just a few colder places in Malaysia?
I took it as, if they could breed, it would be far from ideal conditions. Hatch rates would be low (if at all). Not to say that they couldn’t adapt to tolerate the temp and low oxygen.
My personal view is that although they look fierce, they would be less of a menace than the alien cichlids currently infesting a lot of the waterways here. Cichlids happily munch on the eggs and fry of other species (even their own) and can take over. Pike do not.
Saying that though, the pike is still an unwanted alien and should NOT be released. No fish should be put into a lake or river by the public, even native species - as these can transmit diseases and parasites from pond to pond.
I believe I saw it before as well in one of the largest aquarium store in Penang. Will do a survey again to confirm.
I reckon its better to impose a law to prohibit the public from keeping this sort of fish. If would, it must be by license basis. So as to keep track and control the fish population (if it is permitable by the authority). No demand, no fish importing.
I’ve seen the same fish at Pasar Road at an aquarium shop Across the street (the one where it displays its glass aquarium stocks outside its enterence). Its a pike alright. Told the shopkeeper about it, he doesnt seem to care much. Only pray it doesnt become a hit and run like the flower horns.
