Upcycling Approaches of Invasive Suckermouth Catfish as a Control Strategy: Translating Global Practices to Bangladesh

The suckermouth catfish (SMC, family Loricariidae), native to South America, has become a globally invasive species, now documented in 22 countries across tropical, subtropical, and warm-water regions. Like many invasive species, SMCs adversely impact local ecosystems and biodiversity. Recent reports of their proliferation in Bangladesh’s inland waters have raised significant ecological concerns, prompting the government to impose a nationwide ban on SMCs in 2022. However, comprehensive control measures will not be effective and efficient without upcycling practices. Thus, utilising data from scientific databases, this study summarises potential upcycling techniques for SMC. Fish meal and bone flour, products for animal consumption, were identified in the literature as nutritious alternative feed additives derived from SMC. Laboratory production of value-added items, such as collagen, alkaline protease, gelatine, and protein hydrolysate, was conducted at a minimal scale using SMC. Suckermouth catfish utilisation for human nutrition, biofuel production, fertiliser development, and cultural applications (e.g., souvenirs or gifts) suggests its strong potential for implementing a circular economy. Only a limited number of studies have explored its potential in sewage biotreatment or medicinal applications, such as bone healing. However, to date, very limited research on the SMC upcycling methods has been conducted in Bangladesh. Heavy metal concentration is a matter of concern for SMC upcycling. This study identifies critical research gaps and challenges that should be addressed to implement the concepts of upcycling.