Pramono: The Sailfin Molly is Cute but Dangerous

JAKARTA - Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung directly inspected the campaign to capture sailfin molly fish on Jalan Janur Elok VI Blok QD9, Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta, on Friday (17/4/2026).

While at the location, Pramono held one of the fish himself.

He said that at first glance, the sailfin molly appears cute because it remains still and seems limp when picked up.

“This fish is actually really cute, you know. When you hold it, it pretends to be limp, like this,” Pramono stated at the site on Friday.

He mentioned that the number of these fish has become very large and dominant.

“This is dangerous because it is estimated that over 60 percent of Jakarta’s aquatic life consists of these sailfin mollies, and they must be reduced on a massive scale to restore normality,” Pramono said.

According to Pramono, the sailfin molly is an invasive species that disrupts the lives of other fish.

This fish eats the eggs of other fish, particularly local species, making it difficult for native fish to reproduce.

“This fish is highly invasive and causes other fish in the area, especially endemic local ones, to almost all fail to survive because their eggs are eaten,” he continued.

Based on data from the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), this fish contains dangerous residues with an average level above 0.3.

“If consumed, it would be harmful, and if left unchecked, it will cause damage because it constantly gnaws on walls and so on when building its nests,” Pramono said.

The sailfin molly capture campaign is being carried out simultaneously in five administrative areas of Jakarta, namely North Jakarta, South Jakarta, East Jakarta, West Jakarta, and Central Jakarta.

In addition, Pramono will assign specialised Individual Other Service Providers (PJLP) to handle the sailfin molly issue in Jakarta.

“There will be a special assignment for PJLP to deal with these sailfin mollies,” Pramono stated.