On July 3, 2025, environmentalists and fishermen in Bacalar, Quintana Roo, raised alarms over the confirmed presence of the invasive devil fish (Hypostomus plecostomus) in the region’s freshwater ecosystems. Native to the Amazon basin, this species—also known as the “pleco” or “chupaalgas”—was once popular in home aquariums but has become a serious ecological threat across Mexico.
The discovery of a female devil fish carrying eggs in Bacalar’s Cenote Negro signals that the species is not only present but actively reproducing. This development is particularly concerning given the fish’s ability to lay up to 3,000 eggs and survive out of water for over 14 hours. Its benthic behavior and aggressive feeding habits allow it to consume fish eggs, larvae, and vital microorganisms, disrupting the delicate balance of aquatic ecosystems.
Local scientists from El Colegio de la Frontera Sur have launched studies to assess the extent of the invasion, while authorities evaluate containment strategies. The devil fish poses a direct threat to Bacalar’s famed lagoon, especially its ancient stromatolites—rare microbial structures that are crucial to scientific research and biodiversity.
Fishermen fear the species will outcompete native fish, erode shorelines through burrowing, and reduce catches, jeopardizing livelihoods. Residents of nearby communities like Altos de Sevilla have also reported sightings in seasonal water bodies, suggesting the fish may have spread via river systems from Tabasco and Veracruz.
Environmental agencies and local governments are mobilizing brigades for monitoring and capture, and awareness campaigns are underway to educate the public on identifying and reporting the species. Without swift action, the devil fish could cause irreversible damage to Bacalar’s ecosystem and its tourism-dependent economy.
With information from Heraldo de México
