The government of Bangladesh has prohibited the import, cultivation, sale, supply, and conservation of the suckermouth catfish (also known as the sucker fish) throughout the country, citing concerns about its negative impact on native fish species in open waters. This ban, included in the final gazette notification on January 11, 2023, amends the Protection and Conservation of Fish Act-1950 and extends to other prohibited species such as the African magur and red piranha. The decision was made after no public feedback was received following a call for comments. The ban aims to mitigate the threat posed by invasive alien fish species that have escaped aquaculture facilities, endangering native fishes and disrupting aquatic ecology and local livelihoods. The government's action is part of an ongoing effort to protect native fish biodiversity, as several indigenous species have seen significant declines due to the introduction of non-native species.