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.