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Invasive “Janitor Fish” Take over Jakarta’s polluted rivers
May 9, 2026
Posted 2 hours ago by
An invasive species from South America is rapidly spreading through Jakarta’s polluted rivers. Known as the common pleco or “janitor fish,” the armored catfish was originally introduced through the aquarium trade but is now overwhelming local ecosystems. Experts say some waterways are nearly 100% infested. Authorities and local volunteers are trying to control the growing population, but the species’ resilience, rapid breeding, and polluted river conditions make the challenge extremely difficult.
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