Sailfin Catfish Being Massively Eradicated, Here is the List of Fish Deemed Harmful

The invasion of sailfin catfish in various water bodies across Indonesia has prompted the government and communities to carry out massive population control efforts. This step is taken because the fish is considered harmful as it can disrupt the balance of aquatic ecosystems.

Sailfin catfish is a freshwater fish originating from South America. According to information from the US Fish and Wildlife Service, this species is classified as an invasive fish capable of spreading rapidly and adapting to new environments outside its native habitat.

This fish is known for its high tolerance to poor water conditions and low oxygen levels. Additionally, its rapid reproduction rate and habit of digging into riverbeds pose risks to river structures and accelerate sedimentation.

Why is Sailfin Catfish Considered Harmful?

Quoted from the Indonesian Quarantine Agency (Barantin), sailfin catfish falls into the category of invasive alien species that threaten local aquatic ecosystems. Barantin has even carried out eradication actions to protect the environment from the impacts of this species’ spread.

The presence of sailfin catfish can disrupt ecosystem balance by competing with local fish for food and habitat. Its difficult-to-control population, combined with a lack of natural predators, allows this species to quickly dominate water bodies and potentially suppress native fish populations.

List of Harmful Fish According to Permen KP

In Indonesia, regulations govern the prohibition on importing, cultivating, circulating, and exporting fish species deemed dangerous and harmful. These provisions are outlined in the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Regulation (Permen KKP) No. 19/PERMEN-KP/2020.

In addition to sailfin catfish, several other fish species are also categorised as harmful. The regulation lists 75 types of fish in the dangerous and/or harmful categories. Some of them include:

• Sailfin catfish (Pterygoplichthys spp.)

• African tigerfish (Hydrocynus spp.)

• Giant arapaima (Arapaima gigas)

• Midas cichlid (Amphilophus citrinellus)

• Red devil cichlid (Amphilophus labiatus)

• Peacock bass (Cichla spp.)

• Peacock cichlid (Aulonocara spp.)

• Japanese perch (Lateolabrax japonicus)

• Piranha (Pygocentrus spp.)

• Silver dollar (Metynnis spp.)

• Electric eel (Electrophorus electricus)

• Banded pipefish (Doryrhamphus spp.)

• Puffer fish (Tetraodontidae)

• Crayfish (Cherax spp. and similar)

• Brown mussel (Perna perna)

• etc.

These species are prohibited due to their potential to endanger ecosystems or humans. Some act as predators threatening local fish populations, others contain toxins or biotoxins, are parasitic, or pose risks of injury and danger to human safety.