Luodong Log Pond Invasive Fish Removal: 65cm Thai Snakehead Sets New Record
The Yilan Branch of the Forestry and Natural Conservation Agency held an invasive fish removal event at Luodong Log Pond, with 80 participants. A total of 130 fish, including Thai snakeheads and tilapias, weighing 23.34 kg, were removed. A 65 cm Thai snakehead set a new record for the largest caught since 2023. The initiative aims to protect native fish habitats and warns against irresponsible release of invasive species.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 12, 2026 at 18:42
- 🔍 Collected: April 12, 2026 at 19:00 (18 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 13, 2026 at 10:22 (15h 22m after Collected)
Liu Chi-bin, section chief of the Natural Conservation Section at the Yilan Branch of the Forestry and Natural Conservation Agency, stated today that the Yilan Branch held an invasive fish removal event yesterday, inviting 80 members of the public to participate by fishing. Awards were given to participants who removed the most fish, the longest fish, the heaviest fish, the highest total weight, and those who removed fish balls (groups of small fish).
Liu Chi-bin said that a total of 130 fish, including Thai snakeheads and tilapias, weighing approximately 23.34 kg, were removed during this event. The largest fish was a 65 cm Thai snakehead, which also weighed the most at 2.56 kg. The anglers who removed the most tilapias and Thai snakeheads caught 42 and 3 respectively.
Liu Chi-bin further noted that this 65 cm Thai snakehead broke the previous record of 63.5 cm since the event started in 2023, hoping to create a more friendly living environment for native fish species such as Rhodeus ocellatus (niushijian) and crucian carp.
An angler who participated in the event stated that his nickname is "Thai Snakehead Killer" and he has participated in this event for three consecutive years. He believes that only by removing as many invasive fish as possible can native fish have a chance to survive, and the ecosystem of the log pond will become more normal. He added that the timing of this year's event was very suitable, as it coincided with the breeding season when invasive fish are most willing to bite, which helps reduce their reproduction.
The Yilan Branch pointed out that the invasive fish caught during the event are collectively processed, with some also used as research material, to balance ecological management with academic research needs. At the same time, they appealed to the public not to indiscriminately release or abandon invasive species, to jointly protect native species and the natural environment.
Liu Chi-bin said that a total of 130 fish, including Thai snakeheads and tilapias, weighing approximately 23.34 kg, were removed during this event. The largest fish was a 65 cm Thai snakehead, which also weighed the most at 2.56 kg. The anglers who removed the most tilapias and Thai snakeheads caught 42 and 3 respectively.
Liu Chi-bin further noted that this 65 cm Thai snakehead broke the previous record of 63.5 cm since the event started in 2023, hoping to create a more friendly living environment for native fish species such as Rhodeus ocellatus (niushijian) and crucian carp.
An angler who participated in the event stated that his nickname is "Thai Snakehead Killer" and he has participated in this event for three consecutive years. He believes that only by removing as many invasive fish as possible can native fish have a chance to survive, and the ecosystem of the log pond will become more normal. He added that the timing of this year's event was very suitable, as it coincided with the breeding season when invasive fish are most willing to bite, which helps reduce their reproduction.
The Yilan Branch pointed out that the invasive fish caught during the event are collectively processed, with some also used as research material, to balance ecological management with academic research needs. At the same time, they appealed to the public not to indiscriminately release or abandon invasive species, to jointly protect native species and the natural environment.