A Review of Suckermouth Armoured Catfish (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) Invasion, Impacts and Management: Is Its Invasion a Threat to Bangladesh’s Fisheries Sector?

Abstract

Suckermouth armoured catfish of the genus Pterygoplichthys (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) are significant threats to aquatic biodiversity, ecosystems, habitats, and fishery production in different countries. Their unique characteristics and adaptive features help their successful invasion. These fish harm fish habitats, compete for food and space, prey on fish eggs, and displace the native fish populations. They erode river banks, alter benthic ecology, make holes in the river bank, and remove aquatic plants. Elimination, control, and intrusion prevention are possible management strategies. Utilising them as food and preparing value-added products and byproducts using them are viable ways to reduce their number. Management is challenging, owing to their tolerance and excellent adaptability. With severe dangers to Bangladesh's fisheries industry and aquatic environment, suckermouth armoured catfish have invaded natural waterbodies and aquaculture ponds. There is a lack of accurate information on invasion status, types of invading species, and potential dangers of invasion to create a management framework in Bangladesh. Therefore, this review introduces the key characteristics, habitats, invasion impacts, and management and utilisation aspects of suckermouth armoured catfish in different countries. The review may help in understanding how they affect native fish, aquatic organisms, habitats, and the aquatic environment globally. Finally, what kind of threats they may pose and how they can be managed sustainably in Bangladesh.