{
  "id": 9099846,
  "title": "Piranha in Pahang? Fisheries Department calls in Aquaria KLCC for DNA backup",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/piranha-in-pahang-fisheries-department-calls-in-aquaria-klcc-for-dna-9099846",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-22T06:24:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/09/22/piranha-in-pahang-fisheries-department-calls-in-aquaria-klcc-for-dna-backup/236094"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "GEORGE TOWN, Sept 22 — The Malaysian Department of Fisheries (DOF) plans to team up with Aquaria KLCC to ascertain the identity of a fish caught at Klau Dam in Raub, Pahang, through DNA or environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis. Director-General of Fisheries Datuk Adnan Hussain explained that the collaboration would involve using live piranha specimens and existing DNA records from Aquaria KLCC to establish whether the fish is a piranha or pacu. Without a physical specimen, it is currently impossible to confirm the species. Preliminary analysis by the Glami Lemi Fisheries Research Institute suggested the fish's physical features resembled those of a piranha, but a definitive identification requires a live specimen. The Pahang Fisheries Department has instructed fishermen at the dam to capture and surrender any fish that resemble piranhas for further examination. Reports of similar fish sightings have been made, but the specimens have already been discarded. If confirmed as a piranha, a fish native to the Amazon basin, it could potentially adapt and reproduce in Malaysia due to the similar climate. A video circulating on social media showed a fish allegedly resembling a piranha caught by a local fisherman at Klau Dam. The DOF will also investigate online platforms for selling prohibited fish species, as possession requires special approval from the DOF. Additionally, the department will inspect ornamental fish premises nationwide to ensure compliance with regulations regarding prohibited fish species.",
  "summary": "GEORGE TOWN, Sept 22 — The Department of Fisheries Malaysia (DOF) will collaborate with Aquaria KLCC to identify f...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Piranha, pacu can adapt to Malaysian waters, warns Fisheries Department",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/piranha-pacu-can-adapt-to-malaysian-waters-warns-fisheries-department",
        "published": "2026-09-22T04:27:13.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Piranha in Pahang? Fisheries Department calls in Aquaria KLCC for DNA backup",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/piranha-in-pahang-fisheries-department-calls-in-aquaria-klcc-for-dna",
        "published": "2026-09-22T06:24:06.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}