Penang: The discovery of the rare ikan kanai or tembaring (black bass) (Lutjanus goldiei) in Sungai Kuala last Saturday marked a rare occurrence, as the species is believed not to have been caught in the state's waters for about 15 years.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Penang Fisheries Department (JPNPP) reported that the specimen was caught by a local fisherman in the area. The kanai is an estuarine predatory species, renowned as a premium sport fish due to its strength and endurance.

Based on information from the local fishing community, the discovery was the first catch of ikan kanai in Sungai Kuala in about 15 years, which is significant for the country's fisheries records. The species is more commonly found in the estuarine areas of Sabah and Papua New Guinea, making its discovery in Penang waters notable in terms of its geographical distribution, the department said in a Facebook post today.

According to JPNPP, ikan kanai typically inhabit estuarine areas and riverbanks affected by tides, as well as areas with mangrove and nipa vegetation, which provide shelter and food sources. The department remarked that the discovery of the species in Sungai Kuala indicated that the area had suitable ecological conditions to support its presence.

It also clarified that ikan kanai (Lutjanus goldiei) is a local species and should not be confused with the largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), which has been introduced in other areas. Given that it is rarely found and sensitive to environmental changes, the department encourages catch-and-release practices for this species, for conservation purposes and to ensure the sustainability of its population in Malaysian waters.