The non‐indigenous freshwater fishes of Flanders (Belgium): review, status and trends over the last decade

Abstract

Fourteen non‐indigenous fish species have been successfully introduced to the wild within the territory of Flanders; nine are considered naturalized. Most of the introductions occurred prior to 1950, with six species introduced since then. This paper reviews the available, hitherto scattered, information (including ‘grey literature’) on these 14 non‐indigenous fish species introductions, and evaluates a decade of data from fisheries surveys to assess the recent development of these non‐indigenous populations. Gibel carp Carassius gibelio and topmouth gudgeon Pseudorasbora parva are the most widespread of the non‐indigenous species in Flemish waters, and both continue to expand their ranges. A reduction in range has been observed in brown bullhead Ameiurus nebulosus only. A case is presented for not including European catfish Silurus glanis, sunbleak Leucaspius delineatus and European bullhead Cottus gobio on the list of non‐indigenous freshwater fishes in Flanders. Also discussed are non‐indigenous fish species that are likely to colonize Flanders inland waters in the near future.