KARACHI – A strange-looking fish, initially dubbed an “alien” by locals due to its unusual appearance, was brought to the Karachi Fish Harbour on January 4, 2026. The specimen was reportedly caught in a lake (Dhand) near Sukkur.
Identification of the Species WWF-Pakistan has identified the creature as the Amazon Sailfin Catfish. The fish is characterized by a thick, armor-like body covered in bony plates, which led to confusion among fishermen who were unable to recognize the species.
Native to Latin America, the Sailfin Catfish is famous globally as an aquarium fish. However, experts warn that this foreign species has accidentally entered Pakistan’s natural water bodies and has now spread across Sindh and lower Punjab.
An Invasive Threat Environmentalists categorize this catfish as a highly successful “invasive species.” Because it has already established a vast presence in the country’s river systems, experts believe its total eradication or control is now nearly impossible.
According to WWF-Pakistan, this is one of 26 exotic fish species that have been introduced to Pakistan—either intentionally or accidentally—that have since become invasive. These species are reportedly:
- Damaging Pakistan’s aquatic biodiversity.
- Threatening the delicate balance of the local ecosystem.
- Compromising the natural functions of indigenous habitats.
The History of Exotic Fish in Pakistan The introduction of foreign fish in Pakistan dates back to 1928, when Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout were brought to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Over the decades, several other species were introduced to boost aquaculture or control weeds:
- 1950s-70s: Mozambique Tilapia, Common Carp, Goldfish, and Grass Carp.
- 1980s: Silver Carp, Bighead Carp, and Nile Tilapia were introduced to enhance fish production.
Ecological Consequences While these species were originally introduced to increase food security and aquaculture yield, the negative impact on the environment was largely overlooked. Authorities now acknowledge that while these fish helped production, they have disrupted the natural ecosystem, affecting local flora and fauna.
The presence of the Amazon Sailfin Catfish at the Karachi Fish Harbour serves as a stark reminder of how non-native species are now dominating Pakistan’s inland waterways.
