Invasive Suckermouth Catfish Caught in Jakarta to Be Used for Maggot Feed and Research

The West Jakarta Food Security, Marine and Agriculture Sub-agency (Sudin KPKP) has handed over a catch of suckermouth catfish to the relevant Jakarta agency to be used as maggot feed and for research purposes. The operation was carried out in the Banjir Kanal Barat river in Palmerah.

“The catch was handed over to the DKI Jakarta PPKUKM Agency for use as maggot feed and research material,” said West Jakarta Sudin KPKP Head Betty Rahmawati on Friday. She stated the operation is a follow-up to the directive of Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung to control the population of suckermouth catfish in the capital’s waterways. This particular activity was the 12th operation in West Jakarta and involved 18 joint personnel supported by a rubber boat from the DKI Jakarta Environmental Agency.

Suckermouth catfish are considered an invasive species that threatens local fish populations and damages river infrastructure by burrowing into embankments. Authorities have also warned the public against consuming the fish, as they can contain harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella, as well as heavy metals like lead.