Consumption of armed catfish (Hypostomus plecostamus) in the municipality of centro, Tabasco

Armed catfish, also known as devilfish (Hypostomus plecotomus), has been the subject of controversy in Tabasco due to its impact on local fisheries. However, it is important to clarify that this species is not considered invasive in the strict sense, since its presence in the region is due to its deliberate introduction and not to a natural invasion. A species introduced to Tabasco in the 2000s, it has become a real concern due to its rapid expansion in the waters of rivers and lagoons https://www.cyd.conacyt.gob.mx/archivo/247/Articulos/BagresArmados/Bagres1.html. The objective of the research is to analyze the consumption and ways of tasting in a comprehensive way of the Armored Catfish (Hypostomus plecostomus) in the municipality of Centro, Tabasco. This research focuses on the results obtained on its consumption and benefits. This will encourage its valorization in the communities and inhabitants of the downtown municipality, and promote its responsible consumption as a food resource. The methodology used includes a descriptive approach. Surveys were carried out with 2,458 inhabitants of the downtown municipality through the FORMS OFFICE® application, to evaluate the community's perceptions of consumption, knowledge, and ways of tasting armed catfish. In the results obtained, it was found that there is knowledge of armed catfish by the inhabitants of the municipality of the center, which has an impact on its consumption. The research contributes to promoting their consumption of an underutilized resource that has significant potential to improve the diet and diversify the diets of communities and inhabitants and generate new opportunities for fishers and rural communities. As well as by promoting a culture of responsible and sustainable consumption, by integrating the community into the armed catfish and minimizing its environmental impact in the region.