'Wicked and cruel' otters kill arowanas 'for sport' as maid hides in Bukit Timah home

Otters murdered her koi in 2022.

And now they have massacred her arowanas too.

Stomper Tham said eight otters trespassed onto her Bukit Timah property on Jan 17 at around 7am and killed her fish.

"They even entered the house – hallways, living room and kitchen. They even left a dead whole arowana in the hallway. None of the arowanas were eaten. They were killed for sport."

A total of 10 fish died and six survived but without their eyes and fins.

The Stomper had started rearing the arowanas after losing her koi to otters on Oct 2, 2022.

She told Stomp: "Our property was assessed and we were told there was no way to fully otter-proof the place because of the size of the perimeter unless we do major reno which may require a lot of approvals, et cetera. So we left our ponds empty for six months at least because we were too scared to keep fish any more."

But then the ponds were invaded by frogs. "They just kept multiplying," said the Stomper.

"Someone later mentioned having arowanas instead as they are not as desirable as koi to otters bacause they are very boney. Hence we put the arowanas in the ponds and all was fine for the last few months."

Then the otters returned.

"My helper saw them and stood at the front door shouting at them. When they heard her voice, they turned to look for her, so she quickly closed the door. However, after a while, they entered the house from one of the ponds that extended into the living room for fish to be able to swim in."

The maid hid in a room until the animals left.

"Given the situation now, we will try to secure the smaller pond that leads into the house as it is very scary and dangerous for the people living inside," said the Stomper.

"We have engaged a professional to see what can be done for that pond. Unfortunately, nothing can be done for the bigger pond due to space constraints, size and shape. We will stop keeping fish in that one totally and level it."

She added: "I just find it ridiculous that we have to be slaves to these pests. They are wicked and cruel, and kill for fun."