An Invasive Catfish Pterygoplichthys pardalis: A Review on Global Distribution and Ecological Impacts
Sudarshan Markad *
Department of Zoology, Shri Shiv Chhatrapati College, Junnar, Pune, Affiliated to Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India.
Somnath Waghmare
Department of Zoology, Nowrosjee Wadia College, Pune, Affiliated to Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India.
Ravindra Chaudhari
Department of Zoology, Shri Shiv Chhatrapati College, Junnar, Pune, Affiliated to Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Suckermouth catfishes possessing invasive nature caused threat to non-native ecosystems globally. They can disturb nutrition availability by impacting food chain and native faunal interactions. Catfishes belonging to Loricariidae have great ornamental trade value. Sailfin catfish (genus Pterygoplichthys) traded for aquarium purpose is currently distributed all over the world. Pterygoplichthys species were deliberately introduced by aquarium owners into areas outside of their native range and as a result, they have established stable populations in a different freshwater environment globally. This species has caused impacts on physical structure of water body by making burrows for laying eggs. It also feeds on eggs and spawns of other species causing threats of extinction on native species. Its occurrence had negative effect on socio-economic and environmental implications. This work focusses on comprehensive records and distribution of this genus worldwide. Its impact on ecosystems and native fish fauna also emphasized in this review work. Also, suggestions highlighting the need for molecular level species identification and strategical practices to control invasion in the future.
Keywords: Suckermouth armored catfishes, ecosystem threats, invasive species, Pterygoplichthys pardalis, India