Patna is sounding the alarm over an unusual and potentially dangerous consequence of Nepal's devastating floods: strange fish appearing in Bihar's rivers that could make people seriously ill.

Key facts

  • Advisory issued September 1, 2026 by Bihar's Dairy, Fisheries and Animal Resources Department
  • Reports of unusual fish catches in East/West Champaran, Gopalganj, Bagaha, and Saran
  • Gandak, Ganga, and Kosi rivers swollen to danger levels
  • Some residents already reported falling ill after consumption

What's swimming in the floodwaters?

Fishermen along the Nepal border districts have been pulling up massive, unfamiliar specimens from the raging currents - some weighing up to 45 kilograms, with unusual dolphin-like appearances that don't match their normal catch. The powerful floods have carried these species from Nepali waters into Bihar's river systems.

"We see such fish very rarely in our normal catch," said Chhatu Sahani, a fisherman at Mangalpur ghat in Gopalganj. "Most of them die after they are caught."

Why the government is worried

Bihar Fisheries Minister Nand Kishor Ram didn't mince words about the risks. During Nepal's catastrophic flash floods, river fish likely came into contact with sewage, animal carcasses, and other contaminants that could leave them carrying dangerous pathogens.

"People should not consume any unfamiliar or unusual fish from the flood waters of Nepal. Such fish should not be bought or sold in the market," the government's advisory stated bluntly.

The department has received reports of people falling ill after eating the mysterious fish - though thankfully, no deaths have been reported yet.

What to watch for

The advisory urges immediate medical attention if anyone experiences vomiting, severe diarrhea, dizziness, stomach pain, or breathing difficulties after consuming unusual fish. Officials are asking fishermen and residents to report strange catches to district fisheries officers rather than taking chances.

For now, the message is clear: when in doubt, don't eat it. The temporary curiosity of a unusual meal isn't worth the potential health consequences.