Merits of Releasing Fish: Meanings, Prayers, and Warnings Against Alien Fish

"Releasing fish" is a charitable act that Thai people believe grants new life and helps remove bad luck. However, did you know that each type of fish carries a different symbolic meaning? More importantly, choosing the "release site" is crucial—releasing fish in the wrong place can turn merit into sin unknowingly.

Thairath Online summarizes the complete merits of releasing fish and the correct methods, along withprayers for releasing all types of fish and chants that bring powerful merit.

Discover the merits of releasing each fish species and which aspects of fortune they enhance.

According to astrology and merit-making beliefs, selecting each fish species is like promoting different aspects of one’s destiny as follows.

• Eel is believed to help make work, finances, and life flow smoothly without obstacles.
• Catfish helps protect from enemies, rivals, or ill-wishers who will be defeated by their own misfortune.
• Snakehead fish focuses on health, helping to alleviate illness or strengthen physical well-being.
• Tilapia is believed to enhance luck, wealth, and prosperity.
• Gourami fish helps increase charm and earn the affection and kindness of elders.
• Turtle (often released together with fish) symbolizes longevity and endurance through difficulties.

Where to release fish: How to choose the right release site and "how to release fish without turning merit into sin."

The key to this merit-making act is that "the fish must survive." Releasing fish in unsuitable places not only kills them but can also damage the existing ecosystem.

1. Check the suitability of the water source.

Water quality must not be polluted; oxygen levels should be sufficient, and temperature not too hot. For fast-flowing rivers, small fish should not be released as they may tire and die. There should be resting spots or aquatic plants where fish can hide from natural predators.

2. Understand the nature of the fish.

• Eels require still water and muddy soil for burrowing; they should not be released into wide rivers with concrete banks.
• Catfish or snakeheads are hardy but need areas covered with aquatic plants.
• Turtles need shallow banks to climb out and rest on land; they should not be released into deep ponds without resting spots.

3. Beware of "alien fish" (Alien Species).

The most important caution is never to release non-native fish species such as sucker fish, bighead catfish, or red-eared sliders into public water sources because they prey on native fish larvae causing extinction. This destroys the ecosystem and is considered an indirect sin.

Warning! Never release "alien fish" — here's why.

Social responsibility is vital. Devotees must beware of "non-native fish species" that destroy ecosystems and consume Thailand’s local fish to extinction, which is a serious sin. Fish strictly prohibited from release into public waters include:

• Sucker fish
• Bighead catfish / Russian catfish
• Red-eared slider turtle (Japanese turtle)
• Freshwater pomfret fish

Prayers and chants for releasing fish.

When you reach the riverside with the fish, set a pure intention and recite the following prayer.

"I, named ..., surname ..., offer new life to you all. May the merit from this life-giving charity remove my misfortunes, extend my lifespan, and eliminate all obstacles in my life. May my life prosper and may I succeed in all my wishes. I also pray that these creatures reach a safe realm."