Discovery of the Amazon sailfin catfish Pterygoplichthys pardalis (Castelnau, 1855) (Teleostei: Loricariidae) from Manimuthar dam, Tamiraparani River system, India

Abstract

In this communication, we documents the first record of the exotic South American suckermouth armoured catfishes (Loricariidae) of the genus Pterygoplichthys spp. from Manimuthar dam on river Tambaraparani in southern Tamil Nadu. Based on morphometric measurements and meristic counts, the specimen was identified as Pterygoplichthys pardalis (Castelnau, 1855). Occurrence of P. pardalis from Manimuthar dam in the Tamiraparani River system could be a concerning threat to the dwindling indigenous fishes. Henceforth, unintentional releases of P. pardalis in the wild need to be prevented by strict legislation and appropriate awareness programmes.