In a significant scientific revelation, a recent research endeavor led by the Hyderabad-based Laboratory for Conservation of Endangered Species (LaCONES) has unveiled the reemergence of the invasive sailfin catfish, scientifically known as Pterygoplichthys and colloquially referred to as the devilfish, in a striking 65% of the aquatic ecosystems within the Eastern Ghats region spanning Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
This invasive species, first identified in the vicinity of the Krishna River in Vijayawada in 2016, has recently resurfaced, prompting considerable consternation among local fishing communities and igniting profound ecological concerns.
The Devilfish Phenomenon
Pterygoplichthys, with its origins traced to South America, holds no commercial value and is distinguished by its physical attributes, particularly its armored integument bristling with formidable spines. These spines confer upon it the ability to effortlessly dismantle fishing nets, rendering it an adversary to local fisheries. It is imperative to note that interactions with these fish species have led to injurious incidents among fishermen.
Remarkably, the devilfish exhibits resilience in hypoxic environments characterized by low oxygen levels and possesses the remarkable capability to ambulate on land through the utilization of robust fins.
LaCONES Research Findings
LaCONES, an integral component of the Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), undertook an exhaustive scientific inquiry that harnessed non-invasive genetic methodologies involving DNA analysis to ascertain the devilfish’s presence in the Eastern Ghats. The research outcomes divulge not only sightings in diverse aquatic locales but also infiltrations into the Godavari and Krishna rivers.
Of paramount concern is the predatory proclivity of the devilfish, which poses a substantive ecological threat to indigenous piscine species. The combined aquatic ecosystems of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh harbor a diverse ensemble of 152 distinct freshwater species, amplifying the urgency of requisite measures to regulate the devilfish population as an imperative facet of conservation.
The Predicament of Invasive Species
The study outcomes, disseminated via the online research repository bioRXIV on August 27, accentuate the broader quandary of invasive species within the Indian context. Notably, among the 14 species cataloged as invasive by the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) of India, six were introduced primarily for ornamental fish trade. Intriguingly, four of these invasive species belong to the Pterygoplichthys genus, rendering it one of the most pervasive and consequential genera within the realm of invasive fish species.
Researchers ardently advocate the adoption of DNA-based methodologies as a potent and robust alternative to conventional modalities of detection, including visual surveys and netting. This non-invasive approach bestows a distinctive advantage by facilitating the identification of invasive species, even within locales where direct observation poses logistical challenges. It augments precision in estimating the spatial distribution of such species, thereby expediting early detection and facilitating ameliorative endeavors.
The resurgence of the devilfish within the precincts of the Eastern Ghats underscores the exigency for preemptive conservation endeavors and accentuates the profound significance of comprehending and mitigating the repercussions of invasive species on the intricate tapestry of fragile ecosystems.