Wan Ismail, W.A., Ramli, N.A. and Baharuddin, H. (2024). Transforming the invasive suckermouth catfish into a goldmine of opportunity. Epitome of Nature (EON), 12: 33-35.
spp.), commonly known as the pleco, janitor fish, or ikan bandaraya is a species native to South America but has become widespread in various water bodies across the globe, including Malaysia. The invasion of suckermouth catfish in Malaysia has caused significant ecological and economic impacts.
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These non-native fish have established themselves in various freshwater ecosystems, outcompeting native species for food and habitat. Their burrowing behaviour destabilises riverbanks, leading to increased sedimentation and erosion, which negatively affects water quality and the health of aquatic habitats.
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Various products can be derived from suckermouth catfish, each offering unique economic opportunities.
I do like the idea of pleco satay and enjoyed seeing the picture of it. However, the paper talks about sustainability and I would have thought the aim of utilising invasive species in these ways would be to make money while eradicating them.
Eradication of your source material is not a good business case. Riverside "Pop up" pleco satay kiosks do seem like a superb idea.
Saw a news story recently about plecos in Mexico. They are using them to make cat and dog food.
-Shane
"My journey is at an end and the tale is told. The reader who has followed so faithfully and so far, they have the right to ask, what do I bring back? It can be summed up in three words. Concentrate upon Uganda."
Winston Churchill, My African Journey
