First occurrence of Lepomis gibbosus (L.,1758) in the Segura river basin (SE, Spain)

Abstract

This paper is the first reference of Lepomis gibbosus (L., 1758) in the Segura River basin (SE Spain). In this brief communication, the geographical distribution of L. gibbosus in Spain is widened to include the Segura River basin in its distribution rank. This is the first report of its occurrence in this basin, with the detection of a viable population in a section of the Segura rive although it seems to be a recent introduction. We propose three possible hypotheses concerning the invasion of this exotic species: (1) Deliberate or accidental introduction by anglers (Angling effect); (2) The introduction of the species into artificial irrigation ponds and the subsequent invasion of the main channel due to the high level o agricultural development in the area were the species was detectedft; (3) Introduction into the basin through the Tajo-Segura interbasin water transfer system. The establishment of this incipient population suggests that monitoring studies are urgently needed to develop a protocol for its control.