Suckermouth catfish:
The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) has launched an active removal of invasive fish species like the suckermouth catfish and others from Ujani reservoir.
- Suckermouth catfish is a tropical fish belonging to the armored catfish family (Loricariidae).
- It has a strongly arched body and a very large dorsal fin with one spine and seven branched rays.
- Its ability to endure out of water is facilitated by its accessory breathing organ, akin to a gill cavity, which permits the fish to extract oxygen from the air.
- It is locally known as Helicopter fish’ for its unusual appearance.
- It is native to the Amazon River in South America and entered India through the global aquarium trade.
- It naturally occurs in northeastern Brazil, the Guianas, and Trinidad and Tobago.
- They are opportunistic omnivores and feed on algae, plants, invertebrates and small fish.
- It feeds on fish eggs, burrows into river banks and earthen check dams.
- It is known for its resilience and adaptability, particularly its ability to survive in conditions that would be inhospitable to other fish.
