Giant Fish Make Flood Victims Surprise In Lhokseumawe Aceh, BKSDA: Possibility Of Arapaima

ACEH - The Aceh Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) is checking the discovery of a giant fish suspected of being an arapaima in the flooded area of Lhokseumawe City, Aceh.

"It looks like (arapaima), but it needs to be checked again," said Head of the Aceh BKSDA Agus Arianto, in Banda Aceh, as reported by Antara, Wednesday, January 5.

The discovery of a giant fish at this time clearly makes the people of Aceh excited, especially in the flooded area of Lhokseumawe City. It has gone viral on social media such as Facebook and Instagram.

Regarding the giant fish, Agus has also asked his team (head of the conservation section) to coordinate with the Aceh Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Service (DKP) regarding the discovery.

"What kind of fish is being coordinated, whether it's an arapaima, because it's an outside fish," he said.

Agus explained, arapaima fish is a type of ornamental fish that is also kept by many people. It's just that it was allegedly released due to flooding, not on the basis of an element of intent.

"Maybe because of the flood, that factor caused the fish to be found in the ditch," he said.

Agus emphasized that Indonesia was indeed avoiding animals from outside entering the country, for fear it would disturb the local ecosystem.