PETALING JAYA – As suckermouth catfish, also known as satay ikan bandaraya, goes viral on social media, marine experts are warning Malaysians not to eat the fish as it comes from the country’s most polluted rivers.

Known for its ability to thrive in murky environments, the fish is increasingly promoted as a culinary delicacy.

This is even though the authorities have declared total war against the invasive species whose burrows can damage river banks and lead to soil erosion.

Now that the suckermouth catfish is trending on social media, experts are sounding the alarm because its ability to thrive in polluted waters is causing the fish to absorb surrounding pollutants such as heavy metals.

The fish has no natural predators in Malaysian waters, according to Professor Mohammad Noor Amal Azmai from Universiti Putra Malaysia’s Institute of Bioscience.

With its thick, tough skin and limited flesh, he said the fish is often found in less than ideal environments.

“Its skin is thick, so other fish don’t want to eat it. That lets it breed freely, especially in areas where no one will consume it,” he said.

Although not traditionally part of the local diet, the fish has gained recent attention amid efforts to control its population in Malaysian waterways.

The Star recently reported that the invasive species is silently accelerating soil erosion along riverbanks, posing risks to urban infrastructure in cities like Kuala Lumpur.

“I have seen people on social media promoting mouth-watering fish satay. Generally, all fish can be eaten, but the question is where it is caught,” Professor Mohammad Noor Amal said of the new trend of eating fish now that authorities are encouraging fishermen to catch as many as possible to reduce their numbers.

“If it comes from clean, clear waters, enjoy it. But in the Klang Valley, where the water is contaminated and full of parasites and other polluted materials, it is not advisable to eat ikan bandaraya caught in such areas,” he said.

Professor Mohammad Noor Amal recommended alternative uses for ikan bandaraya.

“The initiative to catch ikan bandaraya is good and should be supported. Fish caught in polluted areas could be turned into by-products such as fish feed or promoted as agricultural fertilizers,” he said.

“Instead of encouraging people to eat it, let’s focus on other productive ways to use it.”

Echoing the same sentiment, biodiversity expert Professor Amirrudin Ahmad from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu’s Faculty of Marine Sciences and Environment warned that the fish habitat poses potential health risks.

“Fish feed on algae and moss, which absorb pollutants at the bottom of the food chain. Then we consume these contaminants indirectly,” he said.

Although the short-term health effects may not be immediately apparent, Professor Amirrudin pointed to studies on the acceptable limits of heavy metals such as lead and other pollutants in fish bodies.

“Even if the lead content is within safe limits, that is no justification for consumption when it comes to public safety. When I see mouth-watering fish satay being prepared, I can’t say it’s wise,” he said.

“It’s fine to process it for animal feed, but it’s not recommended to consume it when it’s caught in dirty water. The fish lives in an unhealthy habitat.” STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK