As a result of climate change, the amount of precipitation in the tropics increased. The flooding it causes causes invasive alien species to colonize areas that are not their original natural habitat. One of these species is the devil fish, which scientists classify as the perfect species of predator.
The devil fish is a predator with special properties
This species has an admirable adaptability despite the fact that it is capable of causing irreparable damage to the ecology. In Mexico, it has spread in many waterways such as rivers and dams and is very difficult to control.
Its extermination is a struggle that has been unsuccessful for 20 years. It’s a plague that wins the fight. This fish, whose scientific name is Hypostomus Plecostomus, measures around 40 centimeters and eats algae in the basins of Mexico.
It is a fish with a cartilaginous body, spines and no scales. It uses the thorns to fight its possible enemies and to defend itself against its own kind. This confirms that the devil fish is very aggressive.
Due to climate change, the species has had the opportunity to invade saltwater pools. His aggressiveness and adaptability make him almost unbeatable. They can stay out of the water and move around with their fins for more than 14 hours. The constant flooding makes it possible to move around without inconvenience as they are ahead of the ecosystems in their path.
It’s kind of a nighttime habit, it stays hidden during the day. Although very territorial, it will violently attack any animal that enters its place, even if it belongs to the same species. When the females lay the eggs, the male takes care of them. Despite its ferocity it is omnivorous, it only feeds on algae.
Invading ecosystems and destroying native species
In the state of Quintana Roo, 400 devilfish were caught in 2020. The authorities and fishermen in the area helped with the task. For fishermen, this species is their main enemy. They kill native species in a very short time and harm the communities that make a living from fishing.
The devilfish is native to the southernmost parts of Latin America and was spread through flooding caused by heavy rains. To the extent that it affects the feeding ecosystem in basins, dams and rivers in Mexico.
According to the National Commission on Conservation Areas of Mexico, this species is taking over the ecosystem. Its aggressiveness and adaptability mean it has no natural enemies. Due to their morphology, physiology, and aggressive behavior, they kill native species in no time. Species like tilapia have no place to survive due to the presence of the devil fish as they cannot reproduce.
The devil fish comes from South America. It is found in Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombia, Costa Rica, Panama and Uruguay. It is worth noting that in the Amazon, as in Mexico, it spread through clearing and flooding.
