How do invasive species like redtail catfish threaten native temoleh populations?

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Invasive Species Pose Significant Threat to Native Temoleh Populations

Invasive fish species, such as the redtail catfish (baung ekor merah), patin lawi, and Mekong catfish, are severely endangering native temoleh populations in the Perak River. These aggressive, non-native fish are capable of overpowering even larger temoleh, with individuals weighing four to five kilograms being vulnerable. The proliferation of these invasive species is largely attributed to aquaculture practices, where they are farmed in cages along the river. When these cages are compromised, the farmed fish escape into the natural ecosystem, where they breed rapidly and outcompete or prey upon native species like the temoleh.
Aggressive Nature of Invasive Species

The invasive fish present in the Perak River are described as aggressive, posing a direct threat to the survival of native species. Specifically, a temoleh weighing as little as four to five kilograms is unable to defend itself against these foreign predators. This predatory behaviour and competitive strength allow the invasive species to gain dominance within the river's food web, disrupting the natural balance.
Escape from Aquaculture and Rapid Breeding

A primary pathway for invasive species entering the Perak River ecosystem is through escapes from aquaculture cages. These cages, often used for farming non-native fish like the redtail catfish and patin lawi, are situated along the river. When these structures break or fail, the farmed fish are released into the river. Once in the wild, these species are known to breed quickly, leading to a rapid increase in their numbers and further intensifying the pressure on native fish populations.
Impact on Native Fish Populations

The unchecked growth and aggressive nature of invasive species have a detrimental impact on native fish like the temoleh. These foreign species not only compete for food resources but also directly threaten the temoleh through predation. This combined pressure has led to a noticeable decline in temoleh sightings and the size of individuals caught, indicating a serious reduction in the native population's health and numbers.
Conservation Efforts Underway

In response to the escalating threat posed by invasive species, the Perak Fisheries Department is implementing conservation initiatives. One such measure involves organising fishing competitions specifically targeting these non-native fish. These events aim to reduce the population of invasive species, thereby alleviating pressure on the native temoleh. For instance, the Grand Prix Memburu Ikan Asing 2025 successfully removed over two metric tonnes of invasive fish, with similar contests planned for other areas.

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How do invasive species like redtail catfish threaten native temoleh populations?

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