KARACHI: The appearance of the Amazon sailfin catfish in the water resources of Pakistan has triggered concerns over the invasive species being dangerous to the country’s aquatic resources and fishing industry.
As per WWF-Pakistan, Amazon sailfin catfish were recorded recently in Karachi Fish Harbor, while another individual was found in a reservoir near Sukkur.
The invasive catfish, originally from Latin America, has accidentally invaded Pakistani natural water bodies and is rapidly spreading in Sindh and southern Punjab.
The sailfin catfish has a thick, robust body with bony skin that is closely armored with protective plates. It aggressively competes for food as well as habitat with native species, consumes smaller fish, transmits diseases, and disturbs the aquatic habitat.
Officials of the WWF say it also belongs to a list of 26 alien fish species that have become invasive in Pakistan in the last three decades.
“The Amazon sailfin catfish and other alien species are outcomping the native fish and causing biodiversity loss along with economic problems for the fishermen,” WWF Pakistan.
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued a warning for mobile phone users against…
ISLAMABAD: Iranian President Dr. Masoud Peshkeskian met President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz…
ISLAMABAD: The government has approved a reduction in advance tax rates on property buyers and…
RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, met with Iranian President Masoud…
LAHORE: Following the reduction of petroleum prices, solar panels and batteries witnessed a sharp fall…
ISLAMABAD: State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has declared a two-day public holiday for Ashura (9th &…