Jakarta. Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung is preparing a special meeting with city officials to tackle the growing population of invasive “janitor fish,” which authorities say are disrupting the capital’s aquatic ecosystems.

The meeting, expected to take place soon, will involve all Jakarta mayors except those from the Thousand Islands district, as the administration steps up efforts to control the spread of the species.

“We will hold a special meeting on janitor fish and involve all mayors,” Pramono said on Tuesday in East Jakarta.

The fish, known scientifically as suckermouth catfish or plecostomus, have rapidly multiplied in Jakarta’s rivers and canals. Native to South America, the species is considered highly adaptable and has become invasive in several regions worldwide.

Pramono pointed to recent cleanup efforts in waterways near Plaza Indonesia in Central Jakarta as an example of the city’s commitment to addressing the problem. He warned that the fish are beginning to damage ecosystems by preying on local species and degrading riverbanks.

“This fish comes from South America, is very resilient, and has become a predator for local fish. It consumes their food supply and damages embankments by burrowing,” he said.

City officials have been instructed to treat the issue seriously to prevent further ecological damage. Authorities hope Jakarta’s response can serve as a model for other regions facing similar challenges.

The problem is not new. Hasudungan A. Sidabalok, head of Jakarta’s Food Security, Maritime and Agriculture Agency, said previous control efforts had been carried out in the Ciliwung River.

Captured fish are transported to a fisheries inspection and processing facility in Ciganjur. Dead fish are buried to ensure they do not survive, as the species is known for its resilience and ability to live for extended periods even outside water.

Commonly dubbed “janitor fish” for their ability to consume algae, the species is popular in aquariums. However, once released into the wild, often by pet owners, they can spread rapidly and outcompete native species.

The fish can grow up to 50 centimeters in length and live for 10 to 15 years. As opportunistic omnivores, they feed on algae, aquatic plants, invertebrates, and small fish, allowing them to dominate local ecosystems.

Their burrowing behavior, used to create nests along riverbanks, can also weaken embankments and increase the risk of erosion.

Originally found in river systems across Brazil, Venezuela, and the Rio de la Plata basin, the species has spread globally through the aquarium trade. In places such as Texas in the United States, it is also classified as an invasive species.

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