Mangur fish: The walking catfish (Clarias batrachus) is

The walking catfish (Clarias batrachus) is a species of freshwater airbreathing catfish native to Southeast Asia. It is named for its ability to "walk" and wiggle across dry land, to find food or suitable environments. While it does not truly walk as most bipeds or quadrupeds do, it can use its pectoral fins to keep it upright as it makes a wiggling motion with snakelike movements to traverse land. [2] This fish normally lives in slow-moving and often stagnant waters in ponds, swamps ... In many coastal and riverine regions, fish is a staple food that is served with rice. But it is crucial to choose fish that are safe for consumption. In this context, a specific fish has quietly sparked health and environmental concerns. Known as the Thai Magur or Clarias gariepinus, this catfish used to thrive in aquaculture ponds and fish markets throughout the country. But it was officially banned over environmental concerns, and mounting speculation on its link to cancer. Research indicates that Thai Mangur is responsible for a 70 percent decline in native fish species in India, severely affecting the aquatic ecosystem. Additionally, fishermen often feed these fish with rotten meat mixed with spinach, further polluting water bodies and destroying ecosystems. The fish also carries parasites that cause diseases like fish lice or argulosis, leading to epizootic outbreaks that can severely impact aquaculture. Why is Thai Mangur Still Grown Illegally? So far, the Uttarakhand State Government has arrested numerous fish farmers till September 2020 for unlawfully farming Thai Magur. The Maharashtra State Government has destroyed more than 32 tonnes of Thai Magur. Despite many restrictions and bans, the species is being produced illegally and sold widely.