First Record of Gambusia Holbrooki (Eastern Mosquitofish), an Invasive Fish in the Tuzla Lake, Romania

Abstract

The current study reveals the first record of Gambusia holbrooki (eastern mosquitofish), an invasive fish in the Tuzla Lake, Romania. The investigated area is located 150 m from the shore of the Black Sea and is adjacent to Lake Techirghiol. The formation of the lake occurred due to human factors and was favored by natural factors. During the field campaigns carried out by NIRD GeoEcoMar in Lake Tuzla, in October 2022, a series of measurements and samples collection were carried out. The individuals of Gambusia holbrooki were found in the samples collected with the limnological net. The main objective of this contribution is the presentation of the first occurrence of the invasive species of eastern mosquitofish in Tuzla Lake. It is recognized as "a superior invader" due to the "invasiveness" characteristics of the species. It is important to monitor this species in Tuzla Lake to observe the impact on the rest of the fish populations, considering that this lake is used as a fish farm.