Natural and Non-natural distribution of African Catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) in Turkey

Abstract

African catfish , Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) is a widespread freshwater species found in the Middle East, and throughout Central and South Africa. C. gariepinus , inhabits natural lakes, fishponds, streams, and natural ponds in both deep and shallow waters. C. gariepinus is naturally found in the Asi, Seyhan, Ceyhan, Goksu Rivers. It was reported that C. gariepinus was translocated to the Aksu River by General Directorate of State Hydraulic Works. African catfish has increasing commercial importance in fisheries and aquaculture in Turkey. A recently introduced population of C. gariepinus has established in the Sakarya River (Eskişehir) due to aquaculture purposes in the north part of the Turkey. C. gariepinus introduction has negative effects on macro invertebrate community that was reflected by decrease in diversity, richness and biomass. There is also community-level impact of introduction that results variation in macro invertebrate composition in the rivers. Stomach contents of C. gariepinus basically rely on Pisces, Arthropod, Mollusca and plant materials to a considerable extent. Therefore, introduction of C. gariepinus in dams, rivers and lakes can cause food competitions with native fish and make irreversible changes in the fish community and cause loses of native fish. The present paper reviews published literature, reports and working papers about distribution and management of C. gariepinus in Turkey’s reservoirs.