KATHMANDU, June 13: A non-native species of fish, scientifically named ‘Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus’,  which is also known as ‘vermiculated sailfin catfish’ has been found in Belbari and Dhanpalthan of Morang, Nepal. This species, originally found in the Amazon River in South America, appeared for the first time in Nepal in the Belbari River four years ago.

Local researchers Jashang Limbu, Deepak Rajbanshi, Asmit Subba, and Laxman Khanal began studying the fish, suspecting it was a new species. With the assistance of Chinese researchers Jinquan Yang and Chenhong Li, they confirmed that this aggressive species is new to Nepal.

Their findings have been published in the recent issue of the scientific journal 'BioInvasions Records.' The article confirms the fish's habitat, physical and genetic makeup, and its discovery in Nepal. Researchers collected 43 samples from the Lohandra River, as documented in the journal, which is classified as Q2 level.

The article highlights that this species of fish was found in two locations along the Lohandra River and another specimen was found in streams near Damak, out of 50 sites surveyed in permanent rivers, including the Tamor River in eastern Nepal. Specimens weighing between 200 and 300 grams were collected, noted for their attractive appearance.

Researchers hypothesize that the fish might have escaped from an aquarium into the natural river system or may have entered Nepal by swimming from India. The non-native fish have been observed eating local fish, food, flowers, and sawdust, posing a threat to native fish species. The researchers suggest immediate control measures to prevent further harm.

According to data, there are about 260 species of fish in Nepal, including ‘Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus’. Of these, 18 species are non-native, and 17 species are native to Nepal.

 
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