OCCURRENCE OF SOUTH AMERICAN SUCKER ARMOURED CATFISH (PTERYGOPLICHTHYS PARDALIS) IN THE GAYATHRIPUZHA RIVER, PALAKKAD, KERALA

Abstract

An intensive survey was undertaken and reported the existence of an invasive armoured sailfin catfish Pterygoplichthys pardalis from the Bharathapuzha River, Palakkad, Kerala, India, and its invasion as one of the foremost threats to the endemic aquatic biodiversity of Kerala. It belongs to the Genus Pterygoplichthys (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) which is known as popular aquarium fish that constitutes one of the most successful aquatic freshwaters invasive taxa, having achieved global distribution. The invasion occurred through aquarium fish culture and trading and is intensified by the distribution through rainstorm flooding and irrigation canal. The fish were identified based on morphological tests, identified fishes ranged in length (9.50-31.75cm) and weight (8.16-129.80 g). Distribution leads to understanding the changes and disturbances in fish species composition and the negative impact on the riverine ecosystem.