Suckermouth catfish in Ganga; may cause ecological issues

Suckermouth catfish is generally found in South American countries like Bolivia, Brazil, Chile and Colombia. It could be a matter of concern for all concerned as it eats up other small fishes and it could lead to ecological problems in the Ganga river.

Varanasi: Fishermen here are in for a surprise as they are getting a new fish in their fishing nets every time they fish in the waters of the Ganga river.

The new fish, which has been identified as Suckermouth catfish, is generally found in South American countries like Bolivia, Brazil, Chile and Colombia, Bechan Lal, professor, Banaras Hindu University (BHU) told ETV Bharat here.

He said that Suckermouth catfish has been seen here for the first time and it could be a matter of concern for all concerned.

"This fish eats up other small fishes and does not have any food value," he said, adding that this could disturb the entire ecosystem of the river.

Talking about their source, the professor said that people, who keep them at home in aquariums, leave them in Ganga as they grow big.

He said the Suckermouth catfish has spread in other tributary rivers of the Ganga and it would be impossible to remove it from these rivers.

"They look good but have no food value and are dangerous for other fishes in the rivers," he said.