Fisherman Catches Invasive Suckermouth Catfish in Rukni, locals concerned over reducing native population

An invasive fish native to South America was spotted in the Rukni River today. Rukni a tributary of the Barak River flows in the Sonai area of Cachar, where the Suckermouth Catfish was caught in a fisherman’s net. The sighting of this harmful fish has triggered concern and curiosity among the locals, whose lives depend on fishing. This invasive fish, believed to be poisonous eats smaller fishes and can hamper the reproductive lives of endemic aquatic species of the Barak River system.

Commonly found in the Amazon Basin, this fish swam into the ocean during floods and from there it has entered various South Asian rivers including India, Bangladesh and Myanmar. The discovery of the Suckermouth Catfish in the Rukni River marks a significant development, as this species has previously caused havoc in various rivers and canals across Bangladesh, particularly after flooding events. Its ability to outcompete and prey on native fish species like Koi, Shing and Magur (torrent catfish) has raised alarms among fishermen and conservationists alike.

On Saturday, this fish was caught in a fisherman’s net in Nagdrigram Part III. When the fisherman failed to recognise this fish, he informed some local youths of the area, who had seen this fish earlier on social media. Using a Google lens image search, they confirmed that it was indeed the invasive sucker fish. Despite its distinctive appearance, it has sharp fins all over its body. It can survive for long periods on dry land without water. A single drop of water can again bring it back to life. Local fishermen have revealed that native fishes in the river have become rare and they believe it to be the impact of such invasive species.

Social media platforms have become abuzz with discussions and sensational information sharing following the sighting of this invasive species in Bangladesh and West Bengal rivers previously. Locals, particularly fishermen, are concerned about the potential impact of the Suckermouth Catfish on the already fragile ecosystem of the Rukni River.

The migration of the Suckermouth Catfish from its native habitat in the Amazon River to Bangladesh’s waterways, including the Surma, Kushiara, and Burhi Ganga rivers, underscores the urgency of addressing the spread of invasive species in the region.