Suckermouth catfish

Suckermouth catfish Latest News

The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) has launched an active removal of invasive fish species like the suckermouth catfish and others from Ujani reservoir.  

About Suckermouth catfish

• It is a tropical fish belonging to the armored catfish family (Loricariidae). 
• Appearance: It has a strongly arched body and a very large dorsal fin with one spine and seven branched rays.
• Its ability to endure out of water is facilitated by its accessory breathing organ, akin to a gill cavity, which permits the fish to extract oxygen from the air.
• It is locally known as’ Helicopter fish’ for its unusual appearance.
• It is native to the Amazon River in South America and entered India through the global aquarium trade. 
• Distribution: It naturally occurs in northeastern Brazil, the Guianas, and Trinidad and Tobago. 
• Diet: They are opportunistic omnivores and feed on algae, plants, invertebrates and small fish. 
  • It feeds on fish eggs, burrows into river banks and earthen check dams.
• It is known for its resilience and adaptability, particularly its ability to survive in conditions that would be inhospitable to other fish.

Source: IE

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