Overview
- An unusual fish brought on January 4 to Karachi Fish Harbour from a dhand near Sukkur was identified as an Amazon sailfin catfish.
- WWF-Pakistan says the species is already widely established in Pakistan and that eradication or effective control is no longer feasible.
- The catfish, native to Latin America, has an armoured body with bony plates and is popular in the global aquarium trade.
- The organisation attributes recent introductions to improper handling in the aquarium trade, warning of risks to biodiversity and the fisheries economy.
- It is counted among roughly 26 invasive fish recorded in Pakistan, a group that includes tilapias linked to sharp production declines at Manchar and Keenjhar lakes with serious impacts on local fishermen.