Invasive Suckermouth Catfish Threatens Jakarta’s Water Ecosystems
- 16 Apr 2026 15:18 WIB
- Voice of Indonesia
Key Points
- BRIN researchers warn that the suckermouth catfish is an invasive species that is actively damaging Jakarta’s aquatic ecosystems by displacing native fish populations.
- The fish pose a public health risk as their meat is suspected of containing high levels of heavy metals; long-term consumption could lead to serious health issues.
- The species has an alarming reproductive rate, with a single female capable of producing up to 19,000 eggs per cycle and a hatching success rate of 90%.
RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The surging population of suckermouth catfish (Hypostomus plecostomus) in Jakarta’s waters has come under intense scrutiny as its invasive nature begins to degrade local ecosystems. This concern was highlighted by a researcher at the Research Center for Biosystematics and Evolution of the National Innovation and Research Agency (BRIN), Gema Wahyu Dewantoro.
As reported by Antara, Gema explained that the suckermouth catfish is classified as an invasive species due to its high reproductive rate and its tendency to displace native fish populations. Beyond the environmental impact, these fish pose significant public health risks.
“The meat is suspected to contain heavy metals. Consequently, long-term consumption could lead to severe health issues,” said Gema in a written release on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
Addressing the outbreak requires a multifaceted approach, combining prevention, active removal, and biological control. Such measures are necessary because the species possesses an extraordinary reproductive capacity.
“The most effective strategy is integrating several methods simultaneously, from prevention and physical harvesting to biological controls,” said an expert in fish and fisheries conservation from IPB University’s Fisheries and Marine Sciences Faculty, Charles P.H. Simanjuntak.
The biological data is particularly alarming. In a single cycle, a female can produce up to 19,000 eggs and can breed multiple times throughout the year. Furthermore, the hatching success rate reaches approximately 90 percent.
In light of these findings, experts are urging the Jakarta Provincial Administration to issue specific regulations regarding the fish trade, noting that suckermouth catfish are currently widely available in ornamental fish markets.
"The Jakarta Provincial Administration must strengthen regulations on the ornamental fish trade and raise public awareness to prevent people from releasing these fish into natural waters, whether intentionally or accidentally," added Charles. ***
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