Sarotherodon melanotheron, a small fish belonging to the cichlid family, has been found in 19 Thai provinces. It destroys ecosystems in rivers, swamps, and canals by voraciously eating up shrimps, snail larvae, and smaller fish needed to maintain balance.
The fish, originally native to West Africa, was first discovered in Thailand in 2010. Since then, it has also been found in the Philippines and the American state of Florida.
Private individuals who manage to catch specimens of the species receive 15 baht per kilo from the state, equivalent to approximately 4 Swedish kronor.
A scientific panel within the UN warned last year that the species is spreading faster than ever.
