Archive · 6 Jan 2026
Invasive Amazon Sailfin Catfish Threatens Pakistani Waters
WWF-Pakistan has found a new kind of fish in the waters of Sindh and Lower Punjab.
This fish, called the Amazon sailfin catfish, is not from Pakistan but from Latin America.
It was likely brought in by accident through the aquarium trade.
This fish is a problem because it can hurt other fish and the environment.
It is one of many foreign fish species that have been introduced to Pakistan over the years, some as early as 1928.
These fish can take over the water bodies, making it hard for local fish to survive.
This can also affect the people who depend on fishing for their livelihood.
WWF-Pakistan is worried about the damage these invasive fish can cause.
Amazon sailfin catfish, native to Latin America, detected in Sindh and Lower Punjab.
Species introduced accidentally via aquarium trade, posing a threat to local biodiversity.
WWF-Pakistan warns of 26 invasive fish species harming aquatic ecosystems in Pakistan.
Historical introductions of exotic fish, starting in 1928, have adversely affected native species.
Invasive species disrupt ecosystems by outcompeting native fish, introducing diseases, and altering habitats.
- Who
- WWF-Pakistan
- What
- Invasive Amazon sailfin catfish detected in Pakistani waters
- When
- Detected in January 2024, with historical introductions dating back to 1928
- Where
- Sindh and Lower Punjab, Pakistan
- Why
- Accidental introduction via aquarium trade, leading to ecological disruption
- Species
- Amazon sailfin catfish
- Native Region
- Latin America
- Introduction
- Accidental, via aquarium trade
- Affected Areas
- Sindh and Lower Punjab
- Impact
- Threat to biodiversity and fisheries economy
- Total Invasive Species
- 26
- First Exotic Introduction
- 1928 (brown and rainbow trout)
- Recent Spread
- 1980s onwards (various catfish species)