Lack of oxygen in the water led to hundreds of fish dying in the 'Thattankulam' (tank) at Sivagiripatti here, Fisheries Department officials today said.
Officials said they had let male and female fingerlings into the tank spreading to several acres for being reared.
Hundreds of them were found dead floating over the past few days. Local people were also hesitant to use the tank for bathing and washing. Officials dismissed the theory that they died due to poisoning.
Assistant Inspector of Fisheries department Shanthi said the tank was overpopulated with fish, which did not get enough oxygen to breathe. Besides the scorching sun also had heated the water,leading to the death of the fish.
Officials had advised contractors to net the fish a few days ago,but they did not,she said.
