Invasive Amazon Sailfin Catfish raises alarm over Pakistan’s aquatic biodiversity

SUKKUR/ISLAMABAD: An invasive species of Amazon sailfin catfish has been detected in Pakistan’s natural water bodies, raising serious concerns among environmentalists and fisheries experts about threats to native aquatic life.

The issue came to light after an unusual fish, collected from a shallow pond near Sukkur, was brought to Karachi Fish Harbour on January 4. Initially described by handlers as an unidentified alien species, experts later confirmed it as an Amazon sailfin catfish, a species native to Latin America and not naturally found in Pakistan.

Officials and conservationists say the fish has likely entered local waterways accidentally and has now spread across large parts of Sindh and areas of lower Punjab. Experts warn that the species has expanded so extensively that complete eradication or effective control may no longer be feasible.

The Amazon sailfin catfish is easily recognisable due to its heavily armoured body covered with bony plates. While it is popular worldwide as an aquarium fish, it is also known internationally as a highly invasive species.

According to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Pakistan, the sailfin catfish poses a particular threat because of its predatory nature. The organisation says the species feeds aggressively on other fish and aquatic organisms, placing native species at risk and disrupting the ecological balance of freshwater ecosystems.

WWF officials note that at least 26 non-native fish species have entered Pakistan’s waters over time, either intentionally or accidentally. Many were introduced to boost aquaculture production or control aquatic weeds, but their long-term environmental impacts were largely ignored.

Environmental experts warn that unchecked invasive species could cause lasting damage to Pakistan’s freshwater biodiversity and have urged authorities to closely monitor the spread of the Amazon sailfin catfish and take timely measures to protect indigenous aquatic life.

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