Devil Fish Threatens Quintana Roo’s Lagoon Ecosystem

Bacalar, Quintana Roo — A recent sighting of the invasive devil fish (Pterygoplichthys spp.) in a body of water near the municipality of Bacalar has raised concerns among environmental specialists. The presence of this species in the region could pose significant risks to local biodiversity, particularly if it spreads to the nearby Seven Colors Lagoon.

A Growing Ecological Threat

Marine biologist Isaura Navarrete explained that the devil fish, native to the Amazon, has gradually invaded Mexico’s coastal regions, primarily in Gulf states such as Tabasco, Campeche, and Yucatán. Its recent appearance in Quintana Roo’s Caribbean waters could have severe ecological and economic consequences.

“The devil fish is a highly destructive predator,” Navarrete stated. “It consumes native fish eggs, destroys aquatic vegetation, and clouds the water, disrupting entire ecosystems. Once established, eradication becomes extremely difficult.”

The species has spread beyond its natural habitat by attaching itself to boats and rocks using its suction-cup-like mouth, allowing it to travel long distances via maritime activity and ocean currents.

Risk to Bacalar’s Unique Ecosystem

Navarrete emphasized that while this is not the first sighting of the devil fish in Quintana Roo, its presence near Bacalar’s lagoon system is particularly alarming.

“These water bodies feed into the Seven Colors Lagoon,” she said. “If the devil fish reaches it, the impact on local biodiversity—especially the stromatolites—could be devastating. Though it doesn’t directly consume stromatolites, its feeding and burrowing activities degrade water quality and harm native species.”

She urged authorities to conduct immediate monitoring and implement control measures if more specimens are found. “This species reproduces rapidly. We must act now to prevent an invasion that could permanently damage this critical ecosystem.”

Environmental and Economic Impacts

• Habitat degradation – Destroys river ecosystems.
• Displacement of native species – Outcompetes local fish populations.
• Predation on larvae and eggs – Reduces fish stocks.
• Altered water quality – Increases turbidity and disrupts nutrient balance.
• Damage to fishing gear – Tears nets and injures fishermen during removal.
• Economic losses – Decreases catches of commercially valuable fish.

Management Strategies

• Early-stage eradication programs – Most effective when populations are small.
• Monitoring and population control – Regular checks to prevent spread.
• Commercial use – Processing and selling devil fish products to reduce numbers.

Authorities have yet to announce specific actions, but experts warn that proactive measures are essential to protect Quintana Roo’s fragile aquatic ecosystems.