Invasive Suckermouth catfishes (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) in Bangladesh wetlands: A review on the present status and challenges

The suckermouth catfish (SMF) is an invasive species in Bangladesh that has had a huge negative impact on ecosystems including rivers, lakes and wetlands. Several SMFs had been introduced as aquarium fish in the early 80‘s. The first report of this fish in Bangladesh was recorded in 2008; more recently, it has been banned in September 2022 due to its alarming adverse impact on flora and fauna of inland waterbodies. This review explores the complex ecological, economic, and social dynamics triggered by several species of SMFs. The information on SMF‘s rapid proliferation, adaptability, and destructive capacity on inland waterbodies were underscored, as well as the resulting challenges significant to the indigenous aquatic flora and fauna, habitats, and livelihoods of the…