Siamese sharks — a freshwater catfish species popular in home aquariums — were discovered in the basement of an apartment building in Fergana's Muruvvat neighborhood, local officials say.
The Fergana province inspectorate for construction and housing and utilities oversight reported that a resident had installed an artificial pool in the basement of building No. 78 and outfitted it with equipment to maintain the water at a suitable temperature for the fish.
An administrative violation sheet has been drawn up against the building's occupant, who now faces a fine under Part 1 of Article 163 of the Code of Administrative Liability. The article covers unauthorized connections to water-supply networks, damage caused by violating protection rules for water infrastructure during excavation or other work, deliberate tampering with cold- or hot-water meters or their seals, and external interference with meters aimed at altering their readings.
The violation carries a fine ranging from 10 to 15 times the base reference value, or roughly 4.4 million to 6.6 million som. The man has also been issued a written order to clear out the basement within 15 days and restore it to its original condition. A separate sheet has been filed over the unauthorized use of drinking water.
Siamese sharks are native to Southeast Asia, where they inhabit freshwater environments at temperatures of around 28 degrees Celsius.
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