Introduced Fish Species Research Articles

Angling as a source of non-native freshwater fish: a European review

In a context of the growing concern about the impact of biological invasions, our objective is to review the role of those non-native species that have primarily been introduced for angling purposes in at least one European country. We are particularly interested in: (1) the relative role of sport fish species in the context of non-native species introductions; (2) assessing the relative importance of different fish taxa; (3) identifying similarity patterns in the composition of the angling fish species introduced throughout the continent, and (4) assessing the underlying factors that drive their diversity in Europe. According to our results, 23.6% of the freshwater fish introduced into Europe during the last century were released primarily for angling purposes. The species composition differed among countries, with a higher diversity of introduced angling species in larger countries and in those with a greater GDP per capita, along with a lower latitude. This review stresses that angling was a significant pathway for the introduction of invasive fish species into Europe in the last century. Furthermore, some of the introduced angling species had severe environmental impacts on many European regions. However, introductions of non-native angling species are still occurring. Therefore, existing EU regulations need better enforcement as well as to increase public awareness regarding invasive fish. This will help to preserve biodiversity and improve the sustainability of current angling schemes in increasingly managed European freshwater ecosystems. However, non-native fish could make angling sustainable, although not for biodiversity generally.

SEASONAL CHANGES IN INFECTION OF INTRODUCED FISH SPECIES BY INVASIVE BACTERIA IN FISH FARMS OF BELARUS

The material for this report was the results of bacteriological examination of fish of various species (silver carp (Carassius gibelio); silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis); white cupid (Ctenopharyngodon idella); common carp (Cyprinus carpio); rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), fry of sturgeon of Lena (Acipenser baeri) and sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus)) and various age groups in 2016–2018. in 7 fish farms in Belarus. As a result of research, 21 species of bacteria have been registered in introduced fish species in pond farms that are potential causative agents of bacterial diseases of introduced fish. Two types of bacteria – Shewanella putrefaciens and Aeromonas hydrophila – are invasive and harm the fish industry. Studies have shown seasonal changes in the frequency of occurrence of Sh. putrefaciens and A. hydrophila in introduced fish. During January-March, the infection of fish with A. hydrophila bacteria was not high, increasing sharply in April-May. In June-July, a decrease is observed, and in August is a sharp decrease in the infection of the internal organs and blood of fish with aeromonads. Bacteria Sh. putrefaciens were found in fish much less frequently than A. hydrophila, however, some seasonal dependence in the change in the frequency of its occurrence in introduced species is observed. The peak of occurrence is in June. The maximum values of the frequency of occurrence of pathogens of bacterial infections were noted for A. hydrophila in April (80.0%), for Sh. putrefaciens – in June (33.0%). It should be noted that the active consumption of mixed fodder and natural feed by the fish leads to the restoration of the body’s immune status after winter.

Occurrence of alien spirlin (Alburnoidessp.) in the Neretva river basin

Northern Mediterranean region is characterised by an exceptional richness of the freshwater ichthyofauna. Many fish species of this region are endemic to a single or a few river basins. This is also the case of the Neretva river basin (Adriatic Sea slope), where 17 out of 34 native species are endemic solely to this river basin. However, these unique Mediterranean freshwater ecosystems are fragile and are susceptible to human-induced changes, including introduction of alien fish species. We report here a finding of the 32ndalien fish species in the Neretva river basin, spirlinAlburnoidessp., which was found at two localities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The spirlin species was identified by molecular means as so far unnamed species with the native range in the Sava river basin (Danube river basin, Black Sea slope). Based on the comparison ofcytochrome bsequences, the introduced population originated most probably from nearby rivers of the Danube basin in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Vrbas and Bosna river basins). Such a high number of alien fish species reported in a single river basin is alarming and pointing to a necessity of raising public awareness, especially among local fishermen.

First record of North African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) in Croatian inland waters

First record of North African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) in Croatian inland waters

Ecosystem of Lake Urozero and Results of Introduction of New Fish Species into the Water Body

Data on hydrology, hydrochemistry, and hydrobiology, including the fish population, of Lake Urozero (southern Karelia) are given. The results of the work on the introduction of two fish species carried out in Lake Urozero for improving the quality of the ichthyofauna have been analyzed. In the1950s–1990s, the whitefish Coregonus lavaretus and the European vendace C. albula were repeatedly introduced into the lake. Of the two species, only vendace has become naturalized in the lake. Its biological features in the new habitat conditions have been studied. A comparative analysis of linear–weight parameters with characteristics of the vendace from the donor reservoirs has been carried out. The results make it possible to classify the vendace of Lake Urozero as a large-sized form. Whitefish has not naturalized, which may be due to the small volume of its introduced stocking material and weak viability of the introducing material. Currently, eight species of fish live in the lake. Perch Perca fluviatilis and vendace prevail in abundance. Biological parameters of perch are presented. Currently, vendace constitutes a significant portion in the diet of large-sized perch.

SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL DISTRIBUTION OF FISH IN THE FLOODPLAIN OF KUMBE RIVER. PAPUA

Expansion of land clearance mostly for plantation is the big issue in Indonesia including in Papua. Its effect is not only to the catchment area but it also affects fisheries resources. The stress effect occurs worsen in Kumbe River and its floodplain area by the present of introduced fish species such as snakehead (Channa striata) and nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Spatial and temporal fish distributions are important information for the sustainable fisheries resource and theirs utilization. Study on spatial and temporal fish distribution covering four types of swamp ecosystem of Kumbe River was conducted during April-September 2014 and Mei-November 2015. Explorative field survey was conducted in four different ecosystem types in Kumbe River floodplain areas. Ecological data was collected from four sampling sites in each ecosystem type during high water precipitation (April and May) and low water precipitation (August. September and November). and fish samples were collected with different mesh sizes of gillnet fishing experiment conducted in four sampling sites. Parameters measured were fish important relative index and physical and chemical water quality parameters. The results noted 18 fish species deriving from 13 families. The Arridae with its blue catfish (Neoarius graeffei) dominated almost 90% of fish catch both spatial and temporal. Hydrological dynamic seems the key of trigger factor for the spatial and temporal distribution of fish and dynamic of habitat and water quality characteristic in the floodplain of Kumbe River.

Parupeneus forsskali (Fourmanoir & Guézé, 1976)’nin Kuzey Kıbrıs ve Antalya Körfezi’nden İlk Kaydı ve Dağılımı

On 26 July 2017, 7 specimens of Parupeneus forsskali were caught at a depth 18 m in North Cyprus and a single specimen was caught at a depth 11 m, by trammel net, around pipeline charge system of marine aquarium in the gulf of Antalya, Turkey. Reports from different locations are pointed that the population of P. forsskali may be established in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.In recent years, as a result of the effect of global warming on the Mediterranean Sea, the temperature of the water increased. Introduction of new fish species is continuously change the composition of the fish fauna of the Mediterranean Sea (Turan and Ergüden, 2013). Up to recent years, there were known only 5 Mullidea family members (Upeneus pori (Por's goatfish) Ben-Tuvia and Golani, 1989, Upeneus moluccensis (Goldband goatfish) Bleeker, 1855, Mullus barbatus barbatus (Red mullet) Linnaeus, 1758, Mullus surmuletus (Surmullet) Linnaeus, 1758, Pseudupeneus prayensis (Cuvier, 1829) in the Mediterranean Sea (Bariche et al., 2013). By introducing Parupeneus forsskali (red Sea goatfish) Fourmanoir and Guézé, 1976 this number was increased to five.

Limited parasite acquisition by non-native Lepomis gibbosus (Actinopterygii: Centrarchidae) at two ponds in the Upper Rhine basin, Germany.

Metazoan parasite communities of Lepomis gibbosus (Centrarchidae), one of the most successfully introduced fish species in Europe, were studied at two isolated ponds (Knielingen, Tropfen) along the Upper Rhine in Germany. Nine parasite taxa were observed, including North American species co-introduced to Europe (ancyrocephalid monogeneans, diplostomid trematodes), circumpolar species infecting L. gibbosus in both their native and non-native ranges (bothriocephalid cestodes) and locally acquired parasitic nematodes. Both parasite communities consisted predominantly of North American species. Acquisition of local parasites was not observed at Tropfen, where the fish community comprised just two species, with L. gibbosus dominant. Low prevalence and abundance of acquired parasites was found at Knielingen, which supported a diverse fish community. At Tropfen, a high abundance of the North American parasite Posthodiplostomum centrarchi probably contributed to the lower condition index, hepatomegaly and splenomegaly observed. Due to low local parasite competency, L. gibbosus appears to have no significant impact on parasite dynamics in affected habitats.

Non-native fish species in Neotropical freshwaters: how did they arrive, and where did they come from?

The Neotropical region has the greatest taxonomic and functional diversity of fish in the world. However, this biodiversity has been threatened by the introduction of non-native species. Therefore, we present a systematic review of the literature concerning the introduction of non-native fish species in Neotropical freshwaters. We examine the origins of non-native fish species, as well as the invaded ecoregions and introduction vectors. Oncorhynchus mykiss, Salmo trutta, Cichla kelberi, and Oreochromis niloticus were the most frequent introduced fish species and rivers and reservoirs were the most studied freshwater ecosystems. Impoundments, aquarium trade, sport fishing, and aquaculture were recorded as the main vectors for the introduction of non-native fish species. Most of the studies were conducted in Brazil. The Upper Parana ecoregion exhibited the largest number of non-native fish species, of which the majority originated from the Lower Parana ecoregion. We noticed that the origins of non-native fish species are linked to their introduction vectors, as several non-native fish species arrive from areas near to where they are introduced, mainly by impoundment and sport fishing. On the other hand, species from regions outside the Neotropics are especially introduced by aquarium trade and aquaculture.

Assessing the river habitat suitability and effects of introduction of exotic fish species based on anecohydraulic model system

An ecohydraulic model system was used to determine the levels of native fish species habitat suitability and assess the effects of two non-native fish species introduction in the Xiaonam River. The model system was developed by combining four models which are hydrodynamic, sediment transport, habitat and population models. The Light Belly fish (Schizothorax lissolabiatus) was selected as the native fish species. The Thorn Barb (Barbodes caldwelli) and Ray-finned fish (Acrossocheilus yunnanensis) were selected as non-native species. Water depth, flow velocity, substrates, and shear stress were used as suitability indicators for habitat and population models. A typical annual flow pattern was used to represent the discharge into the Xiaonam River. Numerical model simulations were created to determine native and non-native fish species' habitat suitability level and population density. The simulated results indicated that given atypical flow pattern, the habitat quality for native fish species was good and the population would remain table. The research showed that the habitat level in Xiaonam River was very suitable for Ray-finned fish but not for Thorn Barb. It also suggested that the Ray-finned fish was a suitable fish species to import into Xiaonam River and its population could increase steadily after introduction. The analysis indicated that the model developed and used in this study could yield valuable information on river ecological processes and fish monitoring programs.

The trout fishery of the upper Medway watershed, Nova Scotia, 2016-17

During the spring of 2016 and 2017, the Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute (MTRI), in collaboration with the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, conducted an angler creel survey in the Medway Lakes Wilderness Area that is located within the upper Medway watershed. Since 2012, public access to this region was improved to numerous lakes and streams, increasing the risk of overexploitation and the illegal introduction of invasive fish species. The purpose of this study was to assess the current status of the fishery for Brook trout, Salvelinus fontinalis, investigate the possible presence of invasive Smallmouth bass, Micropterus dolomieu, and Chain pickerel, Esox niger, and inform anglers of the effects of invasive species on local biodiversity. Over the course of this two-year study, a total of 264 anglers spent 1017 hours to catch 1279 trout, of which 74% were released. Median length of retained Brook trout was of 25 cm and the maximum length was 43 cm. The majority of the catch was 2+ and 3+ years old. Angler catch rates were similar to nearby Kejimkujik National Park and greater than in the Tangier Grand Lakes Wilderness Area. The study area does not currently appear to be inhabited by invasive fish species. Most of the anglers interviewed lived nearby and had a long history of fishing in the upper Medway watershed. The study provides baseline data from the trout fishery which could be used to evaluate management strategies and future impacts of invasive fish species.

Similarities in correlates of native and introduced fish species richness distribution in Brazilian reservoirs

We assessed the relationships among native and introduced fish species richness and a set of explanatory variables, including area, altitude, reservoir age, temperature, human influence index and fish abundance. We expected to find different relationships based on species origin (i.e., native or introduced). Based on compiled data from Brazilian reservoirs, we modeled the variation in the number of native and introduced fish species by generalized linear mixed models with different spatial autocorrelation structures. Reservoirs located in warmer regions and with higher fish abundance showed higher species richness of both native and introduced fish. Reservoir age tended to be negatively correlated with native species richness. Our results suggest that reservoir communities in warmer regions may be more resistant to local extinctions caused by impoundments, but they are more susceptible to species introductions. Our results also highlight that an extinction debt can be expected for native species because older reservoirs showed lower native species richness.

Los peces y sus servicios ecosistémicos en la cuenca del río Porce

Due to its location and geomorphology, Colombia has a great variety of ecosystems and a high biodiversity; this natural wealth is also observed in its drainage basins where, additionally, a considerable number of endemic plants and animals have been reported. Unfortunately, these bodies of water have undergone major changes made by man; such is the case of the Porce River Drainage. In addition to the use of its water for hydroelectric generation, its channel has been altered and affected by the growth of a great city on its banks, causing the populations of fish that live there to suffer great alterations and disappearances. The ecosystem services provided by fish in this ecosystem have not been adequately determined. Based on functional traits such as size, diet, habitat and distribution in the water column of the fish of the Porce River, the ecosystem services provided by these organisms will be characterized, showing their importance and which types of services they provide direct or indirectly to society. This will allow the formulation of a proposal for more integral management of the biodiversity of this heavily impacted drainage. Sixty-two species of fish were found in this drainage that can provide regulatory ecosystem services such as: biological control (32 species); water quality improvement (30 spp.); genetic resources (54 spp.); provision services such as food (11 spp.) and ornamental fishes (31 spp.); and cultural services as sources of leisure and recreation (15 spp.). Unfortunately, this drainage has been negatively impacted by modifications of its channel, contamination of its waters and introduction of exotic fish species for the provision of food. All these impacts strongly affect this ecosystem and drastically decrease the surviving native fish populations that have been reported for this river, seriously reducing the ecosystem services that the Porce River species can supply, and which are essential for the functioning of the other ecosystems associated with this drainage and for the human well-being of the region.

Non-native fishes in the Indian Himalaya: an emerging concern for freshwater scientists

ABSTRACTAnthropogenic activities impose major threats to global biodiversity, compounded by changing climatic variables. Freshwater ecosystems are amongst the most vulnerable habitats, integrating multiple pressures across catchment landscapes. Introduction of non-native fish species exerts multiple direct and indirect impacts on native species and the ecosystems of which they are part, with further impacts on the socio-economic wellbeing of communities. Field studies and an in-depth literature survey have recorded 15 non-native freshwater fish species from the Indian Himalaya. Three of these species (common carp, brown trout and rainbow trout, all highly invasive fish species globally) were documented from multiple locations between 2010 and 2017, raising environmental concern among scientists. In the wake of changing climatic variables and a range of linked population, land use and river impoundment and conversion pressures across the Indian Himalaya, there is an urgent need to understand the behaviour of these non-native fish species and identify factors which provide them an ecological advantage over native fish species. This can support a case for cessation of stocking with alien species. Further collection of long-term field data, integrative quantitative models, public awareness and education programmes could greatly assist in addressing these knowledge gaps and identification of effective control measures.

Fish invasion in the river systems of Guangdong Province, South China: Possible indicators of their success

AbstractAlthough a large number of fish species have been introduced into Guangdong Province in Southern China, a few species, such as tilapia (Tilapia spp.), North African catfish Clarias gariepinus Burchell, mrigal carp, Cirrhinus mrigala (Bloch) and the sucker mouth catfish (Hypostomus sp.), have established natural populations and can be considered “successful invaders” in large rivers. The specific mechanisms underlying these contrasting results among different introduced fish species remain understudied. The relationship between multiple abiotic–biotic factors and the success of four invasive species was investigated using survey data for the Guangdong Province river ecosystem. In contrast to previous studies that have considered species‐specific traits, the focus was on economic, ecological and anthropogenic factors to predict invasion success. Four main predictive indicators were found: (1) successful invaders were of low or no commercial value; (2) successful invaders tolerated a wide range of environmental conditions, including poor water quality; (3) biodiversity loss accelerated the growth of non‐native populations; (4) human disturbance facilitated population growth and spread of invasive fish species. To lessen the impacts of invasive fish species, the selection of breeding species and breeding areas, maintenance of water quality and reduction in water pollution, protection of the diversity of fish species and reduction of human interference should be addressed.

Diet and foraging of Round Goby (Neogobius melanostomus) in a contaminated harbour

Anthropogenic pollution and the introduction of invasive species are two contributing factors to ecosystem degradation. Although Hamilton Harbour (Ontario, Canada), a highly impacted ecosystem, is well-studied, the diet, trophic position, and foraging behaviour of the invasive Round Goby (Neogobius melanostomus) in this area is not well understood. In this study, we compared digestive tract contents, foraging behaviour, and stable isotope values of Round Goby from sites of low and high sediment contamination in Hamilton Harbour. We also assessed prey availability by conducting sediment invertebrate abundance analyses at these sites. Regardless of site, Chironomids, Cladocerans, Copepods and Dreissenids were the most common food items found in Round Goby digestive tracts, and females always had heavier gut contents compared to males. Fish from the high contamination site consumed fewer prey items, had lower gut fullness scores, and fed at a lower trophic level based on lower δ13C and δ15N values. Our results suggest that Round Goby living in highly contaminated areas are feeding less than Round Goby from areas of lower contamination, but that these diet differences do not reflect differences in prey availability. Fish from the high contamination site also typically moved more slowly while foraging. Taken together, these results provide an analysis of the main prey items of Round Goby in Hamilton Harbour, and demonstrate how polluted environments can impact diet, trophic position, and foraging of an introduced fish species.

Abiotic Habitat Assessment for Arctic Grayling in a Portion of the Big Manistee River, Michigan

AbstractArctic Grayling Thymallus arcticus were once the dominant salmonid in the Big Manistee River, Michigan, but were extirpated from the watershed around 1900 and from the state of Michigan by 1936, likely due to overfishing, biotic interactions with introduced fish species, and habitat loss occurring largely around the turn of the 20th century. An interest in reestablishing native species by the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians led to an assessment of environmental conditions in a portion of the watershed encompassing 21 km of the Big Manistee River to determine whether suitable Arctic Grayling habitat remains. During summer in 2011–2013, abiotic habitat metrics, including water characteristics, substrate composition, channel profile, channel geomorphic unit, and stream velocity, were assessed across eight tributaries within the watershed. To assess whether abiotic conditions in these tributaries might support Arctic Grayling, the environmental conditions were compared to literature values from rivers where current or historical Arctic Grayling populations have been reported. This comparison, in conjunction with an assessment using a habitat suitability index for Arctic Grayling, indicated that important abiotic conditions were within ranges consistent with those associated with current and past populations of Arctic Grayling in North America. The results of this study will guide potential future reintroductions and indicate that suitable Arctic Grayling habitat does exist in portions of the Big Manistee River watershed, an assessment that will be further refined when coupled with biotic features of the environment.Received September 6, 2016; accepted February 28, 2017 Published online May 9, 2017

Description and genetic characterization of a new Contracaecum larval type (Nematoda: Anisakidae) from Australia.

Nematode parasites belonging to the genus Contracaecum are economically important parasites with zoonotic significance. Adult Contracaecum spp. are found in the stomach of marine mammals or piscivorous birds, and larval stages infect a wide range of invertebrates and fish species. Human infection with Contracaecum larvae has been reported in Australia and other countries after the consumption of infected fish. Although the genus Contracaecum comprises numerous species, thus far only four Contracaecum larval types have been specifically identified, therefore their life cycle and biology are not yet fully understood. In this study, a new Contracaecum larva (type IV), found in the intestinal tissue of carp caught from Coonancoocabil Lagoon, New South Wales, Australia, is described and characterized genetically. It was identified as Contracaecum bancrofti, a unique Australian species reported previously from the Australian pelican in Northern Territory, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. This study highlights the role of migratory birds and introduced fish species, such as carp, in distributing zoonotic pathogens not only across the continent but also from marine to freshwater systems. Coonancoocabil Lagoon is located in the Murrumbidgee Valley National Park, a highly managed conservation area with native fish in wetlands located in close proximity to several fish farms and hatcheries. Infection of a highly resilient invasive fish species, such as carp, with a zoonotic parasite of low host specificity, such as Contracaecum larvae, should be alarming for aquaculture and environmental authorities.

Ecological effects of dams, alien fish, and physiochemical environmental factors on homogeneity/heterogeneity of fish community in four tributaries of the Pearl River in China.

In this study, we aimed to characterize the fish community structure and identify the drivers contributing to homogenization/differentiation processes in four tributaries to the Pearl River, Guangxi Province, China, over the past few decades. We sampled 22 sites seasonally from 2013 through 2015, and these sites were selected based on archived records of previous sampling conducted in the 1980s. Jaccard's faunal similarity index, cluster analysis, and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) were applied to describe the homogenization/differentiation of fish community and illustrate the potential effectors. The number of fish species present in three of the four sampled tributaries declined dramatically over the past 30 years, leading toward a trend of increased fish community homogeneity throughout the watershed. Results from multidimensional scaling and cluster analyses allowed us to divide the study area into two distinct ecoregions. Four species (yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco, pond loach Misgurnus anguillicaudatus, Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus, and sharpbelly Hemiculter leucisculus) were considered to be indicative fish species contributing more than 5% of the dissimilarity between the two eco‐regions according to the results of similarity percentage procedure. Results from CCA revealed that pH and latitude corresponded with the dominant fish species of each respective tributary. More specifically, CCA results allowed us to classify dominant fish species into three distinct groups. The first group was mainly located in Guijiang characterized by higher latitudes and lower pH values, the second group was widespread in the four tributaries, and the last group was primarily distributed in Yujiang, Youjiang, and Zuojiang characterized by lower latitudes and higher pH values. Spatial differentiation of fish community structure and temporal homogeneity of species composition were attributed to the joint actions of human interventions including construction of dams and introductions of exotic fish species that led to habitat degeneration and fragmentation, and unequal interspecies competitions.

Threatened Fishes of the World: Telestes Croaticus (Steindachner, 1866) (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae)

Abstract Telestes croaticus is a freshwater fish endemic in Croatia. It is a stygophile species, living above ground but occasionally retreating into subterranean waters. This species is found in the southwest region of Croatia, in the Lika-Jadova and Ričica drainages, in cold and clear waters in lowland habitats with little current, and in springs and associated wetlands. It is protected under Croatian law and was listed by the IUCN Red List as Endangered (EN). It has an extremely limited distribution which makes it vulnerable to different kind of traits such as habitat destruction, water extraction, dam construction, agricultural water pollution and especially the introduction of non-indigenous fish species. Suggested conservation actions for this species are: bans on watercourse regulation, reduction of pollution and eradication of alien fish species. Due to its fast decline in the last 10 years, it is our proposition that T. croaticus should be upgraded to a Critically Endangered species under criterion A2ace A4ace.