Suckermouth Catfish Research Articles

Report on the invasion of South American armored suckermouth catfish (Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus) from Southern India

A survey was carried out at Parakkai Freshwater Lake, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, India (8.1519°N; 77.4544°E) to study the freshwater fish biodiversity. The survey manifested the invasion of South American Armored Suckermouth catfish (Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus) native to Madeira River basin of South America province to the lake. The invasions of this non-native catfish to many parts of the native waters were already reported by many ichthyologists. However, no such detailed data available for the occurrence of this non-native catfish and its negative effect on the native freshwater fish biodiversity of Kanyakumari, a part of Southern Western Ghats region of India. The present paper records the occurrence of P. disjunctivus, a non-native invasive catfish to the natural waters of Kanyakumari. In addition, the potential impact of this non-native invasive catfish on the native aquatic biodiversity is pertinently discussed in this report.

ANALISIS KANDUNGAN UNSUR DAN SENYAWA KIMIA PADA IKAN SAPU-SAPU (Pterygoplichthys pardalis) DI DANAU SIDENRENG

A Suckermouth catfish is one type of fish that is considered a pest in the waters because it is invasive (invasive species). In addition to being a pest species, Suckermouth catfish is also known as one type of fish species that has a fairly high heavy metal content in some waters that are classified as polluted waters. This research was conducted with the aim of knowing the content of chemical elements contained in Suckermouth catfish. Based on the results of XRF (X-Ray Fluoroscence) analysis, it shows that there are 14 chemical elements found in the organs of the broom fish, including Sulfur (S), Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), Phosphorus (F), Silicon (Si). ), Chlorine (Cl), Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), Niobium (Nb), Molybdenum (Mo), Antimony (Sb), Ruthenium (Ru), Indium (In), Tin (Sn) and Titanium (Ti ). Meanwhile, based on the results of XRD (X-Ray Diffraction) analysis on the scales of the Suckermouth catfish, the micrograph results obtained in the form of an amorphous which is indicated by the presence of a hump on the graph consisting of 10% Cadmium Mercury, 81% Phosphorus and 9% Calcium, while in the bone Suckermouth catfish consists of 40% Calcium Hydride, 59% Akermanite, and 0.96% Cadmium.

Modelling the mixed impacts of multiple invasive alien fish species in a closed freshwater ecosystem in India.

Invasive alien species (IAS) influence the trophic organisation and food web structure in an invaded ecosystem, and therefore, it is imperative to quantify the resultant ecological impacts. The globally recognised ecosystem modelling platform, Ecopath with Ecosim, was used to delineate the impacts of IAS on a tropical freshwater pond ecosystem in India. We analysed the trophic interactions, consumption patterns, prey overlap and mixed trophic impacts of three co-existing invasive alien fish species, African catfish (Clarias gariepinus), suckermouth catfish (Pterygoplichthys pardalis) and Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus), on other functional groups in the ecosystem. Together, the three IAS shared 11% of the total energy consumption and about 50% of the energy consumption by the fish species/groups. There was no predation mortality for African catfish and suckermouth catfish, and a very low estimate for the same was recorded for tilapia (0.64year-1). The IAS shared high mean prey overlap with the native fish groups (Garra sp., Etroplus suratensis, Systomus sarana, Chanda nama and various small species of the cypriniform genera Puntius, Rasbora and Devario) indicating a substantial competition between alien and native species in the ecosystem. Consequently, the three IAS exhibited higher mean negative mixed trophic impacts on these functional groups. A very high Finn's cycling index (39.59%), a low relative ascendency (28.5%) and a very low system robustness (0.07) were observed compared to similar ecosystems, and the baseline values. These indices exposed the vulnerability of the ecosystem towards perturbations, which could be due to the presence of multiple alien invasive species. Mitigating the impacts of IAS should involve a combination of approaches, including eradication through draining and harvesting, high-density stocking of similar trophic level fish in the pond, and local and national level policy interventions.

Intestinal Bacteria Diversity of Suckermouth Catfish (Pterygoplichthys Pardalis) from Heavy Metals Hg, Cd, and Pb Contaminated Environment in Ciliwung River, Indonesia

Intestinal Bacteria Diversity of Suckermouth Catfish (Pterygoplichthys Pardalis) from Heavy Metals Hg, Cd, and Pb Contaminated Environment in Ciliwung River, Indonesia

Analysis of Crayfish Catches Using Bubu Wau in Laut Tawar Lake, Central Aceh, Aceh

Laut Tawar Lake is located in the town of Takengon, Central Aceh district. Currently, Laut Tawar Lake has been utilized by the surrounding community as a fishing spot. One of the fishing gears used by fishermen is Bubu wau. One of the catches obtained by fishermen is crayfish. The crayfish has a high economic value, so the lack of control over the intensity of the catch also causes the average size of the crayfish caught, because catching crayfish is a transition from catching Rasbora tawarensis. One of the problems that frequently occur and research on crayfish has never been done before. Therefore, this research needs to be done. The purpose of this study was to determine fishing catch compositions of Bubu wau and the size distribution of crayfish carapace length of Bubu Wau fishermen in the Teluk One-one, Laut Tawar Lake. The research was carried out in about March 2021. The description of the fishing catch composition was analyzed by using the describded method. The size distribution of crayfish carapace length was analyzed by the Sturgess rule. From the results of the study, it can be concluded that the catch compositions of Bubu wau in Teluk One-one are crayfish, suckermouth catfish, channeled apple snail and tilapia. The type of crayfish caught by fishermen’s Bubu wau was Cherax quadricarinatus amount of 4232 individuals (89% of the total catch), where the total length of the dominant crayfish carapace was 4.4-4.9 cm with a total number of 1403 and the least with a size of 8.6-9.1 cm was 1 crayfish from the total catch

The development of early monitoring tools to detect aquatic invasive species: eDNA assay development and the case of the armored catfish Hypostomus robinii

AbstractIntroductions of invasive non‐native species (and their subsequent impacts) are recognized as a major threat to native flora and fauna. This is especially true in island ecosystems such as the tropical island of Martinique. In 2018, one such aquatic invasive species, the suckermouth catfish Hypostomus robinii (Loricariidae), was reported for the first time in two of the islands rivers. H. robinii is a popular freshwater aquarium fish and native to tropical and sub‐tropical South America. Since its initial discovery, a growing number of populations have been found, suggesting a larger distribution of this species through Martinique's hydrographic network. Here, we developed a novel survey technique (utilizing environmental DNA) and conducted a widespread survey across the island to assess the distribution of this invasive species. We were able to detect H. robinii in 22% of sites surveyed (18 out of 83) via our eDNA‐based assay. The presence of these fish was confirmed using traditional trapping at 14 of these sites. Additionally, we used occupancy modeling to investigate the impact of different environmental covariates on the detection efficiency of the novel assay and the potential impacts of false positives and negatives. We highlight a decrease in the detection probability when water volume filtered increases. That said, the eDNA‐based method proves a useful tool for the detection of this invasive fish species and monitoring its spread for management purposes.

A Morphometric Assessment of Non-indigenous Populations of Pterygoplichthys pardalis (Pisces, Loricariidae) in Jamaica

A morphometric investigation of suckermouth catfish specimens collected from the Upper and Lower Morass of Black River, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica was conducted between June 2007 and May 2008. Descriptions of 39 morphometric and 15 meristic measures are given. Taxonomic assessment through the application of dichotomous keys, photographic identification, and comparison with other morphometric work on similar species, identified the loricariid as Pterygoplichthys pardalis (Pisces, Loricariidae). Further analysis revealed that populations of P. pardalis in the Upper Morass have relatively longer heads, longer snouts, longer and deeper caudal penduncles, and deeper dorsal fins compared with individuals from the Lower Morass. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed no distinct groups of P. pardalis occurring throughout the Black River Basin. Both populations exhibited allometric growth and the relationships between length and weight in the P. pardalis populations were significant and linear.

Fine-scale genetic structure of suckermouth Hypostomus ancistroides populations: the importance of Neotropical streams for fish conservation

Abstract In the Neotropics, freshwater streams harbour high fish diversity and are constantly threatened by anthropogenic disturbance. However, there are few studies on the genetic diversity of fish populations inhabiting these streams. We aimed to assess, based on microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA markers, the population structure and genetic diversity of the suckermouth catfish, Hypostomus ancistroides, a Neotropical species widely distributed across the Upper Paraná River Basin in South America. Twenty-five locations were sampled, distributed across 18 sites in six tributary streams and another seven sites in the main river channel. Our analyses revealed a spatial heterogeneity in genetic diversity within the basin, indicating fine-scale genetic structuring. Samples from all streams showed exclusive haplotypes and private alleles, reinforcing the importance of preserving the tributaries for the conservation of the genetic diversity of the studied populations. The fine-scale genetic structuring of H. ancistroides is probably related to the limited displacement capacity of this species.

Conservation and trade of the endangered Hypancistrus zebra (Siluriformes, Loricariidae), one of the most trafficked Brazilian fish

Hypancistrus zebra, also known as the zebra pleco, is a small sucker-mouth catfish endemic to the Xingu River in Brazil where its survival in the wild is threatened by habitat modification and overfishing for the ornamental fish industry. It is a highly sought-after freshwater ornamental species and one of the most commonly trafficked from Brazil. To date, little is known about its global legal and illicit supply chains within the ornamental fish trade. Through a mixed methods approach (i.e., online survey, key informant interviews and web scraping), we examined the trade and trafficking of this species as well as the awareness of the international aquarist community and local and international stakeholders regarding its conservation. We also establish the historical timeline of zebra pleco keeping and breeding in captivity and assess whether commercial captive breeding can play an important role in the conservation of this species. The retail price of the zebra pleco increased worldwide after an export ban in 2004 but have since decreased to an average of $US 155 (+/- $US 23 based on geographical location) per fish. Fishermen have been consistently paid relatively little ($US 7–60) for each specimen compared to the average wholesale price of $US 100 (+/- $US 94 over time). We conservatively estimate ~100,000 specimens are trafficked out of Brazil annually, of which half or more die in transport, and only a small fraction is seized by law enforcement in Brazil or internationally. The fishes are primarily smuggled from Brazil to Peru and Colombia and then exported internationally with the majority sent to China. The majority of aquarists surveyed (representing 35 countries) were aware the zebra pleco is both endangered and highly endemic. There was less awareness that buying wild caught specimens shipped from Peru, Colombia or elsewhere implies supporting wildlife trafficking. Nevertheless, nearly three quarters of respondents preferred aquarium bred specimens, if available. The zebra pleco is being bred in captivity in high numbers in several countries, yet in Brazil it remains illegal to keep in private aquaria or to commercially breed them. Given the large success of hobby and commercial breeders around the world, H. zebra is well suited for indoor breeding facilities. We argue that implementing regulated local breeding facilities in Brazil to increase the already large numbers reproduced in captivity worldwide, could decrease the demand for trafficked specimens, one of the primary factors threatening its survival. Given its iconic status among freshwater fishes it should be recognized as a flagship species of the Xingu River’s conservation.

Çalı Ağız Cüce Vatozun (Ancistrus dolichopterus) Akvaryum Koşullarında Üremesi ve Gelişimi Üzerine Bir Ön Çalışma

Dwarf suckermouth catfish are preferred especially for small aquariums. They are usually referred to as tank cleaners and commonly traded in the ornamental fish sector. Since these fish are nocturnal, it is difficult to observe their reproductive behavior and larval development. This study was carried out to determine the reproductive variables of bushymouth catfish (Ancistrus dolichopterus) under aquarium conditions. Three broodstocks bushymouth catfish with an average initial weight and a total length of 10.5±0.3 g and 9.5±0.2 cm were stocked in three 240-L aquariums with the ratio of 1:2 (male: female). The observations were made in triplicate tanks for six months. Females laid an average of 39.78±0.41 eggs and fertilization and hatching rates were 75.05% and 62.94%, respectively. It was found that the transition time from egg to apparently larval stage was 105.28 h, and bushymouth catfish showed an indistinguishable development from the hatching to juvenile stage without a real larval transition stage. The results of the study provide basic information on the reproductive performance and early development of bushymouth catfish.

Kerusakan Histologi Insang Ikan Sapu-sapu (Pterygoplichthys pardalis) setelah Paparan Merkuri (HgCl2)

Mercury is a heavy metal that can undergo biomagnification in the tissue of aquatic organisms, including accumulating in the gills of fish. The main accumulation of mercury occurs in organisms that live in polluted waters, one of which is the suckermouth cat fish ( Pterygoplichtys pardalis ). The purpose of this study was to determine the histological damage of Pterygoplichtys pardalis gills against mercury (HgCl 2 ) exposure. This study used a Completely Randomized Design consisting of six treatments and three replications. The treatments consisted of control; 0.01 0.02; 0.04; 0.08; 0.16 ppm HgCl 2 concentration. The results of the study obtained forms of gill damage in the form of edema, hyperplasia, lamella fusion and epithelial lifting. The highest level of damage occurred at 0.16 ppm HgCl 2 concentration in the form of a reduction in secondary lamella structure. Exposure to mercury causes damage to P. pardalis fish gills

Suckermouth Catfish (<i>Pterygoplichthys pardalis</i>) In Wajo Regency, South Sulawesi Province: The Heavy Metal Content of Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg) and Arsenic (As)

Suckermouth catfish (Pterygoplichthys pardalis) is a type of foreign fish (South America) which is prohibited from entering Indonesia because it can endanger ecosystems and the aquatic environment by its invasive nature. The existence of janitor fish threatens the sustainability of the endemic fish of Tempe Lake in Wajo Regency. Until now, there has been no study regarding the quality and food safety for the use of suckermouth catfish in the regency. This study aims to analyzed the heavy metal content of lead (Pb), mercury (Hg) and arsenic (As) of janitor fish in Wajo Regency. Samples of janitor fish were taken from three districts in Wajo Regency used a purpossive sampling technique. Analysis of Pb, Hg and As metals on meat, scales/skin, and bones/fins of suckermouth catfish, refers to SNI 2354.5: 2011, SNI 2354.6-2016 and SNI 01-4866-1998. The results show that suckermouth catfish from the three districts are not contains Pb but contains Hg and As which do not exceed the requirements for metal contamination content limits based on SNI 2729: 2013 concerning requirements for quality and safety of fresh fish

A Report on Introduced Amazon Sailfin Catfish, Pterygoplichthys pardalis in Gombak Basin, Selangor, with Notes on Two Body Patterns of the Species

Invasive introduced fish species are well known for their deleterious impacts on aquatic biodiversity and environment. This study provides the first report on the occurrence of introduced Amazon sailfin catfish, Pterygoplichthys pardalis from the Gombak basin, Selangor, Malaysia, where the suckermouth catfish, Hypostomus plecostomus and vermiculated sailfin catfish, Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus had been previously reported. Besides, selected morphometric and meristic measurements between P. pardalis and P. disjunctivus from the Pusu River, Gombak basin were compared. Moreover, we also described two body patterns of the P. pardalis collected from the river. The body pattern which does not fit entirely with the known characteristics of P. pardalis or P. disjunctivus is suspected to be a result of hybridization between both species, but deeper study should be conducted to confirm this claim.

Evolutionary optimization of an anatomical suction cup: Lip collagen content and its correlation with flow and substrate in Neotropical suckermouth catfishes (Loricarioidei).

In riverine ecosystems, downstream drag caused by fast-flowing water poses a significant challenge to rheophilic organisms. In neotropical rivers, many members of a diverse radiation of suckermouth catfishes (Loricarioidei) resist drag in part by using modified lips that form an oral suction cup composed of thick flesh. Histological composition and morphology of this cup are interspecifically highly variable. Through an examination of 23 loricarioid species, we determined that the tissue most responsible for lip fleshiness is collagen. We hypothesized that lip collagen content is interspecifically correlated with substrate and flow so that fishes living on rocky substrates in high-flow environments have the largest, most collagenous lips. By mapping the amount and distribution of lip collagen onto a phylogeny and conducting ANOVA tests, we found support for this hypothesis. Moreover, these traits evolved multiple times in correlation with substrate and flow, suggesting they are an effective means for improving suction-based attachment. We hypothesize that collagen functions to reinforce oral suction cups, reducing the likelihood of slipping, buckling, and failure under high-flow, high-drag conditions. Macroevolutionary patterns among loricarioid catfishes suggest that for maximum performance, biomimetic suction cups should vary in material density according to drag and substrate requirements.

Ornamental fishes in Khulna City, Bangladesh: culture practices and commercial aspects

An investigation was carried out to provide an initial assessment of aquarium fish trade from December 2018 to May 2019 in Khulna city, Khulna of Bangladesh. A total 12 shops were established in this district where 46 aquarium fish species were found of which 12 species were bred for fry production. In the study area, some ornamental fishes such as Gold fish, Black moor, Comet, Red parrot, Tiger barb, Angel fish, Black molly, Guppy, koi carp, Rosy barb, Silver shark, Rainbow shark, Tiger shark, Sucker mouth catfish, Blue gourami, Pearl gourami, Golden gourami, White molly, Pearl scale gold fish, Silver dollar, LT sucker fish were very common. Besides Glass catfish, Siamese fighting fish, calico, Swordtail, Oscar, Widow tetra, Neon tetra, Balloon molly, Moon tail balloon molly, Alligator gar were common and Tangerrine swordtail, Arowana, Flower horn, Red tail black shark, platy, cardinal tetra, Discuss fish, Rummy nose, Bolivian ram, Balloon ram, Bosemoni rainbow, Red tail catfish, Bichir, Mono angel, Knife fish were the rare fish of the Khulna city. All aquarium fish species were brought from catabon area of Dhaka city that were mainly imported from the international markets like India, Singapore, Thailand, etc. Importers/wholesalers and breeders marketed them to retailers, local breeders, shopkeepers, etc. and finally, the shopkeepers sold them to the aquaria owners. The most profitable large aquarium fishes were Gold fish which made a profit of (100±20 tk/pair), Black moor (150±20 tk/pair), Red parrot (250±50 tk/pair), angelfish (100±10 tk/pair), Pearl gourami (300±50 tk/pair), Guppy (400±50 tk/pair), Siamese Fighting Fish (300±50 tk /piece), Tiger Shark (40±10 tk/pair), Sucker mouth catfish (50±5 tk/pair) to the retailers. During this survey, it was found that the breeders used cement tank, glass aquaria, plastic tank and even plastic jar as culture tanks. They bred aquarium fish all over the year. In the present study the market is mainly domestic. There is a good domestic market which is increasing day by day. Except winter, average annual income was recorded 13,140,000 Tk from the 12 aquarium shops. However, when temperature dropped during winter, sale became reduced; sometimes no selling was also observed during this time.
 Asian Australas. J. Biosci. Biotechnol. 2019, 4 (3), 142-153

Threshold elemental ratios and the temperature dependence of herbivory in fishes

Abstract Herbivorous ectothermic vertebrates are more diverse and abundant at lower latitudes. While thermal constraints may drive this pattern, its underlying cause remains unclear. We hypothesized that this constraint stems from an inability to meet the elevated phosphorus demands of bony vertebrates feeding on P‐poor plant material at cooler temperatures because low gross growth efficiency at warmer temperatures facilitates higher P ingestion rates. We predicted that dietary carbon:phosphorus (C:P) should exceed the threshold elemental ratio between carbon and P‐limited growth (TERC:P) for herbivores feeding at cooler temperatures, thereby limiting the range of herbivorous ectothermic vertebrates facing P‐limited growth. We tested this hypothesis using the Andean suckermouth catfishes Astroblepus and Chaetostoma. Astroblepus are invertivores that inhabit relatively cool, high‐elevation streams while Chaetostoma are grazers that inhabit relatively warm, low‐elevation streams. We calculated TERC:P for each genus across its elevational range and compared these values to measured values of food quality over an elevational gradient in the Andes. We also broadly summarized measurements of TERC:P across diverse groups of fishes. Supporting our hypothesis, we found that dietary C:P was predicted to exceed the TERC:P for the grazer Chaetostoma near the highest elevation where this genus has been recorded. Conversely, the TERC:P for the invertivore Astroblepus was consistently higher than that of Chaetostoma and thus its dietary C:P never approached the TERC:P. We found that, among all fishes, omnivores had higher average TERC:P than invertivores, and TERC:P did not vary with temperature. Our results suggest that, at least for Andean suckermouth catfishes, cool temperatures constrain herbivory at higher elevations. Increased gross growth efficiency at cooler temperatures evidently restricts the ability of P‐limited consumers to meet P demand. However, our survey of fish TERC:P estimates suggests that some fishes are able to circumvent this constraint through behavioural and life‐history adaptations that reduce P demand or increase P use efficiency. The physiological trade‐offs underlying these functional shifts reveal that geographic dietary patterns can be predicted by stoichiometric theory, but variation in food quality and consumer traits that reduce P demand and/or increase P efficiency can create exceptions to these patterns. A plain language summary is available for this article.

Kadar Hematokrit dan Hemoglobin Ikan Sapu-sapu (Pterygoplichthys pardalis) Terpapar Logam Berat Merkuri Klorida

Mercury chloride (HgCl2) is one of the heavy metals that are harmful to the environment and can accumulate in aquatic organisms, such as Sucker Mouth Catfish, Pterygoplichtys pardalis. The purpose of this study was to analyze the damage of the hematocrite values and hemoglobin of P. pardalis exposed to mercury chloride. This study used a Randomized Block Design method with 54 male fish and six treatment groups, namely Control (0 ppm); P1 (0.01 ppm); P2 (0.02 ppm); P3 (0.04 ppm); P4 (0.08 ppm); P5 (0.16 ppm). Hematological tests showed a significant difference between treatment and control, while the different hemoglobin values with controls only at a concentration of 0.16 ppm. Mercury chloride causes damage to hematological disorders in P. pardalis

Biogeography and species delimitation of the rheophilic suckermouth catfish genus Pseudolithoxus (Siluriformes: Loricariidae), with the description of a new species from the Brazilian Amazon

The rapids-dwelling suckermouth catfish genus Pseudolithoxus was previously only known from the Guiana-Shield-draining Orinoco and Casiquiare river systems of Colombia and Venezuela, but new records have expanded this range considerably further into the Amazon basin of Brazil, and include occurrences from rivers draining the northern Brazilian Shield. These highly disjunct records are now placed in an evolutionary and phylogeographic context using a dated species tree constructed from mitochondrial (Cytb) and nuclear (RAG1) gene sequence data. Due to mito-nuclear discordance, we also delimit the putative species using statistical coalescent models and a range of additional metrics. We infer that at least two species of Pseudolithoxus are present in the Amazon basin: P. nicoi, previously only recorded from the río Casiquiare, but now also reported from the upper rio Negro, and a new species, which we describe herein from south-draining Guiana Shield and north-draining Brazilian Shield. Our data reject a simple model of Miocene vicariance in the group following uplift of the Uaupés Arch separating the Orinoco and Amazon systems, and instead suggest more complex dispersal scenarios through palaeo-connections in the Pliocene and also via the contemporary rio Negro and rio Madeira in the late Pleistocene.www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:46A6BEC1-1A1B-4244-80-A6-FD9CF8DA0384.

Detection of Salmonella in the intestine of Hypostomus plecostomus from the upper San Marcos River, Texas.

The prevalence of salmonellae in the intestines of the invasive suckermouth catfish Hypostomus plecostomus was assessed in the San Marcos River, just down-stream of its spring-fed headwaters. In 2014, H. plecostomus, sediment, and water samples were collected during 15 sampling events. A combination of semi-selective enrichment and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) revealed the presence of salmonellae in 45% of the fish intestines across the entire year, with a prevalence range of 13-100% per sampling event. Repetitive element sequence-based PCR (rep-PCR) and multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) revealed a high diversity of salmonellae from fish intestine samples at individual sampling times, single or multiple presence of rep-PCR patterns and serotypes within individual fish, and identical rep-PCR patterns and serotypes for different fish within and across sampling events. Overall, 15 serotypes were identified by MLST, with a diversity range between one and seven serotypes per sampling event. Some serotypes were retrieved only once, while others were detected more frequently. A few serotypes were retrieved at several sampling times, nearly evenly distributed over the entire sampling period. Prevalence and diversity were independent of precipitation events, indicating the potential presence of environmental strains that are capable of long-term persistence in the environment.

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.