Sungai Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia’s longest river, once teeming with prized native species such as patin, tenggalan and kerai, is now increasingly dominated by an invasive catfish that is threatening local fisheries and the livelihood of inland fishermen.
The Asian red tail catfish (Hemibagrus wyckioides), native to Vietnam’s Mekong River, has multiplied rapidly in recent years and is now reportedly dominating the river once abundant with sought-after local species.
Fishermen warned that the “devourer” fish, previously unknown in the state, is disrupting the ecosystem and leaving inland fishing communities struggling to secure their usual catch.
The invasive Asian red tail catfish, with its trademark reddish tail, can grow more than a metre in length and weigh more than 50kg — with some saying as heavy as 80kg.
It is an aggressive, fast-growing predator that is capable of decimating native fish and prawns.
There are unverified claims that the fish may have escaped from an aquaculture farm in the state, but the authorities have not confirmed how the species got introduced into the river.
Nearly a decade ago, odd-job worker Muhamad Rohairil Harun regularly returned from fishing trips to Sungai Tanum in Kuala Lipis — a tributary of Sungai Pahang — with a rich haul of local fish.
“Now the Asian red tail catfish is a dominant predator steadily eating all the native species in Sungai Pahang.
“It grows fast, preys on local fish and has become a major threat to fishermen and even anglers,” said the 44-year-old, who recently landed a 28kg alien fish.
He added that the catfish, which is active mainly at night, consumes everything smaller than itself, including prawns.
Villagers in Lipis first noticed the species around five years ago, later learning from the Fisheries Department that it posed a serious ecological risk.
Ahmad Nazree Shahbudin from Kampung Telang said the catfish was once confined to Pekan, 250km downstream, but has spread to several districts.
“These days it’s not only in Sungai Pahang but also in its tributaries. Anglers have even caught it in Sungai Jelai Kecil, and its huge size shows it’s devouring native fish,” he said.
The 42-year-old warned the catfish could soon reach Sungai Tembeling near Taman Negara, a national park, adding that: “It is becoming a nuisance.”
Despite being an ecological threat, the fish has good commercial value and is sought after for its sweet and firm flesh, fetching between RM15 and RM25 per kilogramme at local markets.
“In most villages, people sell it for income.
“Given the current numbers, there will be plenty of supply in future,” said Nazree.
Other anglers have noticed the Asian red tail catfish displacing the ikan kenerak (Bagarius lica), which was once regarded as the river’s main predator.
“There are even claims that the species escaped from an aquaculture farm during major floods in Pekan, but there’s no proof,” said Saiful Nizam Husin, 45.
“Out of 10 fish caught today, three to five will be the Asian red tail catfish.”
To curb its spread, the state government had organised the Moh! Tangkap Baung Ekor Merah fishing competition last year, but the two-day event, involving around 100 participants, removed only about 100kg of fish.
“It’s not enough. Maybe it’s time to consider other measures before the entire river is overrun,” Saiful Nizam said.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
