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Residents of West Champaran and Gopalganj in Bihar have been warned not to eat, buy or sell any fish found in flood-affected areas, as the unusual fish could potentially be contaminated. The Bihar government issued a health advisory on Tuesday following the discovery of strange-looking fish in the Gandak basin due to ongoing floodwaters from Nepal.

Fisheries officials explained that the floods may have carried fish from other water bodies into unfamiliar locations, increasing the risk of contamination from pollutants such as sewage, dead animals, and other harmful substances.

The Health Ministry has advised people to stay alert for symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dizziness, and difficulty breathing after consuming potentially contaminated fish. If any such symptoms appear, immediate medical attention is advised. The warning also extends to the purchase and sale of unidentified fish recovered from floodwaters.

The most likely species identified among the unusual fish is the Bagarius bagarius, or goonch catfish. This carnivorous freshwater fish is native to fast-flowing rivers in India, Nepal, and Southeast Asia, typically found in deeper parts of rivers with strong currents. However, the fish might deteriorate rapidly after death and can also be exposed to polluted surroundings, making it crucial to handle them with care.

Wildlife Trust of India director Sameer Kumar Sinha urged residents to follow the state government's advisory and refrain from consuming unfamiliar fish until their identity and safety are confirmed. The goonch catfish is classified as a threatened species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.