Invasive vermiculated sailfin catfish in KwaZulu-Natal

The invasive vermiculated sailfin catfish (Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus) has established itself in the Mthlathuse River near Richards Bay from where it has spread into the Nseleni River via an inter-basin water transfer of KwaZulu-Natal Province. This exotic fish is indigenous to South America.
It is known to remove attached algae, and feeds on benthic organisms and detritus, thus having significant impact on the aquatic food base which negatively affects indigenous invertebrate and vertebrate species. They destabilise riverbanks by creating burrows, leading to increased erosion activity. It is listed under the NEMBA draft Invasive Species Regulations (12 February 2014) as a Category 1b invasive species.

 

This is very bad!!!

 

Never liked them and yes very bad indeed.

 

Last image looks so cool though..

 

https://www.facebook.com/invasivespeciessouthafrica

Some Intressting reading...

 

Stick of dynamite would fix the problem in the last picture pretty fast

 

but thats what happens when ppl dump unwanted fish into the local rivers or streams. they have been doing it with the hi-fin pangasius as well as oscars etc. they have this misconception that the local fish will somehow destroy them .

 

I wonder how they fight if you catch them on a hook and line? Hehe, think I'm going to try tonight to catch my sailfin pleco... :tongue: haha

 

lol when you google plecostumus the native ppl fish them for food, there was picture of this fisherman with about 30 strung up on a pole and theres recipes!

 

Nice! might go visit the LFS to buy their biggest pleco to try some recipes out!!! :nuts: :tongue:

They are cheaper than buying hake from a supermarket, haha.

 

I have tackle, will travel. Anyone else game?

 

If only I was closer ... Would have been a fun trippie!!!

 

Where you located?

 

Pretoria

 

Next time u down, lets make a trip

 

Will do ...

 

Not too sure if you guys are serious or not, but I was referring to catching my sailfin pleco from my fishtank... :blushing: Wahahaha

 

I think it started off as a bit of joke but reminded me that I have not wet a line in a loooooong time

 

ROFL!!! Well said!