DOI: 10.3391/ai.2026.21.2.190069

Authors: Michaela Palmieri, Leandro E. Miranda, Melanie R. Boudreau, Corey G. Dunn, Leslie M. Burger, Dennis Riecke

Abstract: Understanding spatial distribution patterns is essential to management of invasive species. Aquatic invasive species can be notably challenging to detect due to the substantial effort required to locate them underwater. This limitation has resulted in a lack of timely distribution maps, particularly over vast regions, and hindered efforts to understand, forecast, and manage the proliferation of invasive bigheaded carps (Hypophthalmichthys spp.). Much of the Mississippi River basin, particularly the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley, provides access to a massive network of interconnected floodplain lakes. In the absence of lake-specific monitoring data on carp occurrence status, we used local expert knowledge, provided by fish managers interviewed virtually, in conjunction with Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) modeling, to predict bigheaded carps distribution in relation to lake physical characteristics. We predicted widespread carp invasion in more than 60% of over one thousand floodplain lakes, with lake size, inundation, and proximity to rivers closely related to carp presence. The resultant distribution map may be imprecise given the swift proliferation of bigheaded carps and sparse monitoring data, but it offers a baseline upon which presence data and range can be compared. This assessment method is also a resource for identifying priority management and conservation areas and can serve as a first step in conservation planning.

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DOI: 10.3391/ai.2025.20.4.171920

Authors: Quenton M. Tuckett, Katie M. Everett, T. Myles Domohowski, Jesse R. Blanchard, Jeffrey E. Hill

Abstract: Thermal tolerance can reveal the risk of establishment and spread for non-native tropical species introduced to more subtropical regions. These data are particularly important for novel introductions such as the Rio Cauca Caecilian (Typhlonectes natans), a species of amphibian established in Miami, Florida, United States of America (USA). To estimate its thermal tolerance T. natans individuals were captured with baited traps, transported to the laboratory, and acclimated to 25°C. We used chronic lethal methodology to estimate three cold tolerance endpoints: cessation of feeding, loss of equilibrium, and death. This methodology utilizes a 1°C per day temperature change which allows for stepwise reacclimation. Endpoints were 18.61°C ± 0.91, 17.08–20.56 (mean ± SD, range) for cessation of feeding, 13.61°C ± 0.81, 12.68–14.98 for loss of equilibrium and 12.45°C ± 0.49, 11.72–13.84 for death. The chronic lethal minimum temperature is relatively high for an established aquatic species in Florida, suggesting water temperature may limit its northward spread. Thermal tolerance attributes are one aspect of the risk of spread, and some information gaps remain, including salinity and desiccation tolerance, attributes that could allow movement between coastal watersheds and persistence in seasonal wetlands.

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DOI: 10.3391/ai.2025.20.4.172098

Authors: Xavier Turon, Marc Martín-Solà, Leopoldo Moro-Abad, José Carlos Hernández

Abstract: This study documents the first occurrence and rapid expansion of the solitary ascidian Cnemidocarpa irene in natural marine habitats of Tenerife (Canary Islands). Native to the Indo-Pacific, C. irene had previously been introduced to the Caribbean, Brazil, and Cape Verde. It was first observed in Tenerife in 2020, though retrospective records through citizen science tools date its presence back to 2018. A total of 74 sightings along the island’s coasts were reported between 2018 and 2024, when it reached densities of ca. 2 individuals/aggregates per square metre in the initial introduction area. Thus, the species is undergoing a clear proliferation and a spatial expansion. Morphological and genetic analyses confirmed the identity of C. irene and its phylogenetic placement, closely related to other Cnemidocarpa and related genera such as Asterocarpa. This species shows concerning invasive characteristics, such as a fast expansion, abundance in natural habitats, and aggregative behaviour, suggesting potential threats to native biota. Due to its limited natural dispersal capacity, the introduction of C. irene to Tenerife is attributed to anthropogenic vectors, particularly oil platforms arriving at major Canary Island ports. The proximity of the initial records to port areas supports this hypothesis. Given the potential species’ ecological risks, the authors recommend close monitoring, manual removal where feasible, and strengthened involvement of citizen science. This case highlights the vulnerability of oceanic islands to marine biological invasions and the importance of ports and marinas as critical entry points, underscoring the need for proactive surveillance and early intervention strategies.

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DOI: 10.3391/ai.2025.20.3.161320

Authors: Shoujie Tang, Ying Xing, Temesgen Tola Geletu, Jinliang Zhao

Abstract: In recent decades, the redbelly tilapia (Coptodon zillii) has become one of the most serious invasive alien fish species worldwide. The successful invasion of this fish may largely depend on the plasticity of its life-history traits. In order to explore the life-history traits of the invasive population of C. zillii, we chose Shuikou Reservoir of Minjiang River, China, as a typical invasive habitat, and 1,041 specimens were collected monthly from March 2023 to February 2024. Life-history traits were systematically investigated. The results showed that the entire population consists of individuals from age 1 to age 6, with the highest percentage (95.10%) of younger individuals at 1–2 years old. The sex ratio of males to females was 1.05:1. The equation of the length-weight relationship was W = 0.048*L2.938, and the parameters of von Bertalanffy growth equation were L∞= 32.937 cm, W∞= 1381.010 g, k = 0.131, and t0 = -2.056. The breeding season ranged from March to November, and the minimum sexually mature standard lengths of females and males were 8.7 and 9.0 cm, respectively. Mean absolute fecundity was 3854.38±254.43 eggs, while mean relative fecundity to standard length and body weight were 301.95±16.94 eggs/cm and 60.44±3.56 eggs/g, respectively. These results indicated that the population of C. zillii in Shuikou Reservoir presented characteristics such as a high proportion of young individuals, low growth rate, long spawning season, high fecundity, and smaller size at first maturity compared with the native and other invasive populations. Both opportunistic and equilibrium life-history strategies might have contributed to their successful invasion, and there is a potential risk of further population expansion.

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DOI: 10.3391/ai.2025.20.3.152950

Authors: Erin S. McCallum, Kristina M. Sefc, Tomas Brodin, Patricia Burkhardt-Holm, Karen Bussmann-Charran, Ann-Britt Florin, Juergen Geist, Michal Janáč, Pavel Jurajda, Jake M. Martin, Joachim Pander, Aneesh P. H. Bose

Abstract: River barriers such as hydropower dams and weirs can negatively affect river ecosystems by disrupting connectivity and reducing biodiversity. However, such barriers could also limit the spread of invasive species. Here, we used a spatial population genetics approach to test whether river barriers act as a hindrance to gene flow in the invasive round goby (Neogobius melanostomus Pallas, 1814). We sampled gobies from four different rivers across their invasive range in Central Europe (the Danube, Dyje, Morava, and Rhine rivers), with locations on either side of eight major river barriers. Using microsatellite genotyping, we found that round goby populations were differentiated with increasing number of river barriers and with increasing distance between sampling sites, depending on the river system in focus. We found significant population differentiation across three individual barriers, but no clear indication that this was related to barrier type as barriers were highly diverse. We also found reduced genetic diversity in populations that were more recently established. Our findings suggest that successive river barriers can sometimes slow the spread of round goby. Further research on the features of barriers that hinder round goby movement will help to design barrier passage solutions that will both limit spread of this invasive species and maintain connectivity for the native fauna.

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DOI: 10.3391/ai.2025.20.3.162564

Authors: Efim D. Pavlov, Tran Duc Dien, Ekaterina V. Ganzha

Abstract: Non-native suckermouth armoured catfish Pterygoplichthys spp. have spread extensively across many river systems in Vietnam. It is possible that their expanded distribution occurred through the brackish waters of estuaries and coastal zones, facilitating movement from one river system to another. It has been previously hypothesized that, for successful dispersal through brackish water, armoured catfish can tolerate changes in water salinity and are capable of avoiding high salinity levels that threaten their survival. In this study, we experimentally estimated the movements and the directions of juvenile and adult wild loricariids in fresh and brackish water. Our results showed that juveniles exhibit a circadian rhythm of locomotor activity similar to that of adults. However, juveniles display a more pronounced reaction to increasing water salinity ‒ at 5 PSU ‒ while adults respond at 15 PSU. This likely explains the absence of juveniles in natural brackish water environments and their reduced potential to spread through brackish waters compared to adults. Adult loricariids are likely capable of recognizing and avoiding high-salinity zones (>10 PSU) by increasing locomotor activity, predominantly directed toward the surface. Their ability to grasp air helps maintain positive buoyancy, allowing them to remain in the surface layer of freshwater over extended periods of time. Variability in salinity tolerance among adults (ranging from 2 to 16 hours in 15 PSU) may enable some individuals to be more successful in dispersing through estuaries and along coastlines.

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DOI: 10.3391/ai.2025.20.2.153557

Authors: Wen Xiong, Wei Zhang, Zhen Deng, Peter A. Bowler, Kang Chen, Baoqiang Wang

Abstract: The Yellow River is the second largest river in China and it supports a rich biodiversity and numerous endemic fish species (Atrilinea macrolepis, Brachymystax lenok tsinlingensis, and Hucho taimen). It is one of China’s most important freshwater aquaculture and mariculture regions, and many non-native species have been introduced into the region. This study provided the Yellow River Basin’s first and current list of non-native aquatic species including a total of 112 species comprised of 59 fishes, 27 aquatic plants, 21 Mollusca, three reptiles, one crustacean and one amphibian. The primary introduction pathway is aquaculture (69 species), followed by the aquarium and ornamental trade (30 species), forage (four species), unintentional introductions (four species), ecological restoration (two species), religious releases (two species), and one species for biocontrol. Asia is the primary geographic origin of non-native species (39 species), followed by North America (33 species), South America (16 species), Europe (10 species), Africa (nine species) and Oceania (five species). Many non-native species have become important species in local aquaculture, the aquarium and ornamental trade or for other human uses. Many non-native species have caused significant negative economic, ecological and societal impacts. More research, field investigations and new guiding policies should be applied for the effective control and management of non-native species in the Yellow River Basin.

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DOI: 10.3391/ai.2025.20.1.131343

Authors: Dan B. Golanski, Alona Nachmias, Gal Kahn, Amir Fireman, Ori Hepner Ucko, Noa Shenkar, Gitai Yahel

Abstract: The rapid increase in the arrival of tropical-origin species into the Levant region has dramatically changed local ecosystems. Non-indigenous species are known for their ability to utilize available ecological niches and in some events expand their non-native niche over time. Here, as an example of such expansion, we report on a massive colonization by the non-indigenous solitary ascidian, Microcosmus exasperatus (Heller, 1878), on soft bottoms along the Mediterranean coast of Israel. While this tropical-origin species is well-known for its ability to form dense aggregations on rocky substrates and artificial structures, only limited reports exist from soft-bottom habitats. In September 2022, a massive settlement of M. exasperatus was sighted on the sandy bottom (15–22 m depth) in front of Mikhmoret, Israel. M. exasperatus had settled on miniature “islets” of hard substrates, such as polychaete tubes, shells, or pebbles. By October, the population had reached a peak density, with a mean of 1.8±1.3 individuals m-2 (±95% confidence interval for the mean). Longshore visual surveys by towed divers revealed similar populations scattered along the central Israeli coast. Monthly compass surveys monitoring the population density, revealed a gradual population decline during late fall and winter, leading to a complete eradication in February 2023, probably due to a severe winter storm. No population was detectable throughout the spring but in August 2023 a few specimens were again detected on the sandy bottom, albeit at densities several orders of magnitude lower than the previous year. It is postulated that the ephemeral colonization of soft-bottom areas serves as “stepping stones” for the species’ dispersal into new habitats, potentially amplifying its invasive potential. Long-term monitoring across a more comprehensive depth range will reveal whether the observed massive colonization was a singular event or a recurring phenomenon that had previously remained unnoticed.

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DOI: 10.3391/ai.2024.19.3.125642

Authors: Shubha N. Pandit, Mark S. Poesch, Jurek Kolasa, Laxmi Koirala Pandit, Jonathan L. W. Ruppert, Eva C. Enders

Abstract: Urbanization often leads to the homogenization of species composition in aquatic ecosystems, as it introduces disturbances that can destroy the habitats of unique endemic or native species while creating alternative habitats for species capable of adapting to these conditions. This study utilized a long-term dataset from 1971 to 2010, focusing on fish species presence within three watersheds of the Greater Toronto Area, Canada. The objective was to evaluate any changes in fish communities over time across three groups of species assemblages: native, non-native species, and a combining of all species. We considered key predictor variables for which data exist: catchment area, distance to a species pool source (Lake Ontario), and percentage of urban cover, to determine their impacts on species richness over time. Three hypotheses were tested: (1) the rate of change in species richness differs among the three groups; (2) urbanization promotes the spread and homogenization of non-native species distribution; and (3) native species assemblages exhibit high nestedness initially, decreasing over time as non-native species established and replaced native species. We used general linear models and the nestedness analysis to characterize matrices of species distributions of native and non-native fish assemblages among the catchments over time. Overall, the results indicate that nestedness temperatures (NTs) for native fish were lower compared to non-native fish assemblages. Over the four decades studied, native species richness declined with increasing urban cover, while non-native species richness increased and compensated for native losses. Furthermore, native species assemblages exhibited high nestedness at the beginning of the record period, which decreased over time as non-native species became established and replaced native species. This trend suggests that further changes in fish communities are probable. As native fish communities become patchier (not nested), this process may accelerate, potentially isolating communities and making them more prone to perturbations.

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DOI: 10.3391/ai.2024.19.2.124660

Authors: Matthew R. Pintar, Nicole D. Strickland, Jeffrey L. Kline, Mark I. Cook, Nathan J. Dorn

Abstract: Asian swamp eels (Monopterus albus/javanensis) were first reported as introduced to Florida waterbodies in 1997 near Tampa and Miami; a third population was recorded by 1999 in Homestead. Initial assessments, published soon after swamp eels in southern Florida were first recorded in wetlands beyond canals and ponds (in 2007), concluded there was little threat to Florida’s aquatic ecosystems. Long-term data now suggest they precipitated population crashes of crayfishes and small fishes in the eastern Everglades. We used records from continuous long-term monitoring programs, sporadic monitoring studies, and online databases to reconstruct swamp eel presence across Florida. Monitoring studies provided wetland hydrologic variables to assess limits for swamp eels. From 1997–2007, populations in southern Florida remained restricted to canals; initial spread from 2007–2017 across southern Everglades National Park proceeded slowly and the two populations covered ~1500 km2 of southern Florida. From 2017–2022, the rate of spread increased as they spread west and north (~5800 km2 range). Through 2014, the Tampa population occurred only along southern/eastern Tampa Bay (~60 km2) but has since spread south along the Gulf Coast, east into central Florida, and south along the Lake Wales Ridge (~11,000 km2). We found evidence of two potentially new introductions, in Palm Beach County and Orlando. There was no clear evidence of limitation of wetland drying on swamp eel occurrence in the Everglades; they were captured in marshes that dried for 1–5 months during the previous dry season, but short-hydroperiod wetlands may have slowed spread. In the Everglades, evidence suggests swamp eels may have been inadvertently spread into marshes from canals used to deliver water for flood control and hydrologic restoration. Swamp eels are currently spreading unchecked across Florida, and there should be great concern about continued spread in this region and their establishment and spread elsewhere.

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DOI: 10.3391/ai.2024.19.1.117161

Authors: Md Shakhawate Hossain, Surya Gentha Akmal, Miloš Buřič, Jiří Patoka

Abstract: Amazon sailfin catfish are native to Latin Arica (Siluriformes: Loricariidae: Pterygoplichthys) and are popular around the world as ornamental fish. It is well-documented that these species are highly successful invaders and very prone to forming new geographical ranges. However, once established, eradicating a new population is a very challenging task. In Bangladesh, species of the genus Pterygoplichthys are expected to spread widely and have a severe detrimental impact on ecosystem health, biodiversity and economics. Here we provide new information on the future probable establishment of non-native populations of these species in the wild using a climate-matching analysis and highlight their potential area of occurrence. The potential socio-economic consequences are also discussed, as are the public perception of these species and probable economic damages caused. Control of the import of similar species, their culture and intentional or unintentional release into open water is urgently required.

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DOI: 10.3391/ai.2024.19.1.116273

Authors: Pim Lemmers, Robin Olde Wolbers, Gerard van der Velde, Rob S. E. W. Leuven

Abstract: Co-occurring and morphologically similar species have adapted to differential niches to minimize competition. An invasive alien species can occupy an ‘empty niche’ in introduced ranges. Alternatively, the invader may occupy an overlapping niche and compete with native species to a certain degree. In a Western European lowland brook with high nutrient loads, we studied a benthic community of five fish species, including two alien species: an Asian weatherfish (Misgurnus bipartitus) and the western tubenose goby (Proterorhinus semilunaris). The native species concerned stone loach (Barbatula barbatula), spined loach (Cobitis taenia), and gudgeon (Gobio gobio). Because of the unknown effects of the invaders on native benthic fish species, the trophic position, isotopic niche overlap, and potential food competition among these species were identified using nitrogen and carbon stable isotopes. The trophic levels of the five fish species indicated that they are secondary consumers. The body size of native fish species correlated significantly negatively with their δ15N (‰) signature, in contrast with the invaders indicating that the latter are generalists. Significant isotopic niche overlap was observed among all benthic species. The degree of niche overlap of M. bipartitus was the highest with G. gobio (91.8%). Proterorhinus semilunaris showed the highest degree of niche overlap with B. barbatula (91.2%). It was notable that the observed niche overlap between the native B. barbatula and C. taenia was high (99.2%). Overlap between M. bipartitus and P. semilunaris was low (8.9%), indicating little resource competition between these alien species. Native species showed wider isotopic niches than the invaders. Bayesian mixing models revealed that native and alien species slightly differ in their main diet. The results suggest that the invaders are plastic in their resource use, leading to niche differentiation and promoting the co-existence of benthic fish species.

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DOI: 10.3391/ai.2024.19.1.117603

Authors: Jeffrey E. Hill, Quenton M. Tuckett, Katelyn M. Lawson

Abstract: For non-native species, climate can act as a primary filter limiting establishment. Numerous studies examining climate similarity between native and introduced regions have been completed for temperate areas, however we know little about how well climate matching performs for warmer regions. For non-native freshwater fish introduced to warm regions, one potential problem with climate matching is that fish from both temperate and tropical source regions could establish. Our goal was to examine whether climate matching can predict the establishment of non-native freshwater fish for a warm climate region. We used CLIMATCH, a widely applied climate matching program, to analyze climate similarity between source and target regions for 37 successfully established species and 36 species that have failed to establish. CLIMATCH was calculated in two ways for successfully established species, with Florida records included (post hoc) and without Florida records (a priori). The mean post hoc score for successful species was higher than that of failed species; however, the mean a priori score for successful species did not significantly differ from failed species. On average, post hoc scores were inflated 1.5 times over a priori scores. The post hoc result is tautological—the scores are high because the species is successful, and the species is successful because the scores are high. These results highlight two issues for climate matching: (1) as commonly done post hoc, degree of climate match and predictive power may be overestimated and (2) a priori applications may lack predictive power. We recommend consideration of these issues in the use and interpretation of CLIMATCH for prediction. Additional research into regional importance of climate variables (temperature and precipitation) is warranted, especially in warm climate regions.

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DOI: 10.3391/ai.2023.18.4.112766

Authors: Quenton M. Tuckett, Timothy J. Lyons, Jeffrey E. Hill

Abstract: Pet abandonment is an important introduction vector for freshwater aquarium fishes, as unwanted pets become too large for tank dimensions and are released into the environment. Concerns over pet abandonment may be particularly important for the U.S. state of Florida, which exhibits abundant access to freshwater habitats and a climate more favorable to tropical aquarium fishes than other continental U.S. states. Numerous studies have examined the factors affecting establishment for non-native species, including the importance of propagule pressure and climate suitability. For freshwater aquarium species, maximum body size can increase pet abandonment because they grow too large for the tank dimensions (i.e., “tankbusters”). Thus, large maximum body size may increase propagule pressure due to intentional release. In addition to being introduced in sufficient numbers, a match between the thermal tolerance of a species and the thermal habitat is necessary for establishment. Several large-bodied catfishes are found in the aquarium trade, including the goonch Bagarius spp., redtail catfish Phractocephalus hemioliopterus, and tiger sorubim Pseudoplatystoma tigrinum. Here, we experimentally determined the chronic lethal minimum temperature (CLmin) for the three catfishes. CLMin estimates for these three species were higher than many other ornamental species, highest for the redtail catfish (14.3 °C), lower for the tiger sorubim (11.0 °C), and lowest (9.9 °C) for the goonch. Given these lethal temperatures, the distribution of redtail catfish would be limited to South Florida while the tiger sorubim and goonch could live, provided other habitat characteristics are suitable, up to ~28°N Latitude in Florida.

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DOI: 10.3391/ai.2023.18.4.114182

Authors: Kathryn A. O’Shaughnessy, Lorenzo Vilizzi, Wesley Daniel, Monica E. McGarrity, Hanna Bauer, Leslie Hartman, Stephen Geiger, Paul Sammarco, Steve Kolian, Scott Porter, Jessica Dutton, Matthew R. McClure, Michael Norberg, Alex Fogg, Timothy J. Lyons, Justin Procopio, Lauren Bantista, Wayne Bennett, Mary Wicksten, David Reeves, Julie Lively, Elizabeth Robinson, Jorge Brenner, Joseph Goy, Ashley Morgan-Olvera, Anna L. E. Yunnie, Gordon H. Copp

Abstract: Prevention of non-native species introductions and establishment is essential to avoid adverse impacts of invasive species in marine environments. To identify potential new invasive species and inform non-native species management options for the northern Gulf of Mexico (Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas), 138 marine species were risk screened for current and future climate conditions using the Aquatic Species Invasiveness Screening Kit. Species were risk-ranked as low, medium, high, and very high risk based on separate (calibrated) thresholds for fishes, tunicates, and invertebrates. In the basic screening, 15 fishes, two tunicates, and 26 invertebrates were classified as high or very high risk under current climate conditions. Whereas, under future climate conditions, 16 fishes, three tunicates, and 33 invertebrates were classified as high or very high risk. Very high risk species included: California scorpionfish Scorpaena guttata, red scorpionfish Scorpaena scrofa, purple whelk Rapana venosa, and Santo Domingo false mussel Mytilopsis sallei under both current and future climates, with weedy scorpionfish Rhinopias frondosa, Papuan scorpionfish Scorpaenopsis papuensis, daggertooth pike conger Muraenesox cinereus, yellowfin scorpionfish Scorpaenopsis neglecta, tassled scorpionfish Scorpaenopsis oxycephalus, brush-clawed shore crab Hemigrapsus takanoi, honeycomb oyster Hyotissa hyotis, carinate rock shell Indothais lacera, and Asian green mussel Perna viridis under climate change conditions only. This study provides evidence to inform trans-boundary management plans across the five Gulf of Mexico states to prevent, detect, and respond rapidly to new species arrivals.

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DOI: 10.3391/ai.2023.18.3.104066

Authors: Efim D. Pavlov, Tran Duc Dien, Ekaterina V. Ganzha

Abstract: In the last decade, invasive suckermouth armored catfish Pterygoplichthys spp. spread among many river systems of Vietnam. Extended distribution of armored catfish might be associated with using brackish water in estuaries for fish spread from one river system to another. The first goal of our study was to assess the occurrence of armored catfish in the estuary of the Da Rang River (Phu Yen Province, Vietnam) and their distribution depending on the horizontal salinity gradient (4–25 PSU). Fish were mainly caught by stationary bottom traps in water salinity from 4 PSU to 18 PSU. The second goal of our study was to experimentally evaluate the ability of armored catfish to move and breathe in seawater (33 PSU). Fish moved in horizontal and vertical planes after transfer into seawater during the first 15 minutes. Fish moved around less by the 13th–15th minutes in seawater. Armored catfish moved around more in seawater than in freshwater. The exposure to seawater for 6 minutes led to deterioration of fish breathing. The results of our field and experimental studies established that armored catfish are found and able to move in brackish waters but avoid high salinity water. These facts provide support for the hypothesis of armored catfish invasion through the estuaries and coastlines.

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DOI: 10.3391/ai.2023.18.3.109001

Authors: Jintao Li, Linjie Li, Yankuo Xing, Linlong Wang, Yugui Zhu, Bin Kang

Abstract: Climate change and species invasions are among the most serious threats to global biodiversity, and climate change will further greatly alter the distribution of invasive species. The red drum Sciaenops ocellatus (Linnaeus, 1766) has established non-native populations in many parts of the world, leading to negative effects on local ecosystems. In this study, based on 455 global occurrence records (38 of which were in Chinese waters) and 5 biologically relevant variables (average ocean bottom temperature, ocean bottom average salinity, ocean bottom average flow rate, depth, and distance from shore), a weighted ensemble model was developed to predict the current potential distribution of red drum in Chinese waters and the future distribution under two climate change scenarios (RCP 26 and RCP 85). Based on the True Skill Statistics (TSS) and the Area Under Curve (AUC), the ensemble model showed more accurate predictive performance than any single model. Among the five environmental variables, the average temperature was the most important environmental variable influencing the distribution of red drum. Ensemble model prediction showed that the current suitable habitat of red drum was mainly concentrated on the coast of Chinese mainland, around Hainan Island, and the western coastal waters of Taiwan Province (17~41°N). Projections in the 2050s and 2100s suggested that red drum would expand northwards under both future climate scenarios (RCP 26 and RCP 85), especially in the western part of the Yellow Sea and along the Bohai Sea coast, which should be involved in the management strategies to maintain ecosystem structure and function.

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DOI: 10.3391/ai.2023.18.2.103850

Authors: Daniel Melo Rosa, Angelo Barbosa Monteiro, Lucas Del Bianco Faria, Paulo Santos Pompeu

Abstract: To investigate the influence of non-native aquatic invertebrate species on food web structure, we selected two reservoirs located in the Grande River (upper Paraná River basin, Brazil) with similar fish communities, different age and different taxa introductions history. We quarterly collected fish and benthonic macroinvertebrates samples in the Volta Grande and Funil reservoirs between October 2015 and August 2016. We used conventional methods of diet evaluation to assess the sampled fish and measured the availability of invertebrates (i.e. composition and density) present in the sediment samples from each reservoir. In addition, we performed a structural analysis of trophic interaction networks. Based on the data obtained, it was possible to identify that in Volta Grande most of the energy flow, between benthonic invertebrates (prey) and the fish community (predators), occurred through non-native prey species, especially Limnoperna fortunei and Macrobrachium amazonicum, while in Funil it was shared between non-native and native prey. Species loss simulations indicated that the networks did not differ substantially between random losses and losses between groups. In general, there was a decrease in the probability of occurrence of highly connected species in both reservoirs and between non-native and native species. Results showed that the new interactions among species influenced the importance of the available energy sources for the fish in the Volta Grande reservoir. The presence of non-native prey, especially M. amazonicum, may influence the interaction network structure, promoting community dependence on non-native species to ensure robustness to environmental disturbances. In the absence of pre-invasion data, the comparative study between systems with similar fish communities may provide a better understanding of the impacts caused by the introduction of non-native invertebrate prey.

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DOI: 10.3391/ai.2023.18.2.105240

Authors: Jakub Fedorčák, Peter Križek, Ján Koščo

Abstract: Within the genus Carassius Jarocki, 1822 , the crucian carp (C. carassius L., 1758) occurs naturally in the northern part of Middle Danube Basin (Austria, Morava, Slovakia). This species has the least concern status in this region, but observations in the last decades suggest that it is very close to extinction here. The distribution of crucian carp is limited to a small number of vanishing lentic habitats (oxbow lakes, marshlands). These biotopes are in the last stage of succession due to the drying up of the landscape and a reduction in the creation of new natural alluvial habitats. The non-native cyprinid, C. gibelio (Bloch, 1782), known as gibel carp and Prussian carp, has gradually become eudominant in a wide spectrum of habitats/biotopes since the 1960s Several biological adaptations of non-native species are generally considered the strong basis for the mass spreading in the invaded area. The other side of the expansion of non-native C. gibelio is affected by anthropic activities associated with fish farming, translocation and stocking the fish in open water ecosystems. In this study, we analysed historical scientific data on the distribution of Carassius spp. published from the 19th century to the present from the mentioned areas. The results suggest that the number of records of invasive C. gibelio has gradually increase in rivers, regulated channels and creeks, which could be considered as natural pathways of spreading. However, the presence of invasive C. gibelio in artificial biotopes (fishponds, reservoirs) is continuous from the 1960s. In the area mentioned, the artificial biotopes are managed by national fisheries associations and relate to the historical way of farming in Central and Eastern European countries. To show the current state of the fishing grounds of the Slovak Angling Association, we a created the distribution map based on the Carassius spp. catches recorded in last two decades.

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DOI: 10.3391/ai.2023.18.2.108485

Authors: Hugo Verreycken, Frank P. L. Collas, Neil E. Coughlan

Abstract: The 22nd International Conference on Aquatic Invasive Species (ICAIS) was held as a hybrid event in Oostende, Belgium from 18–22 April 2022. The conference addressed the theme of “Global Climate Change Amplifies Aquatic Invasive Species Impacts” and aimed to expand knowledge on the latest science and policy, inspire cooperation and collaboration on research and management projects at a global scale. Seven renowned international scientists provided keynote presentations on perspectives of climate change within their respective areas of expertise. This special issue of Aquatic Invasions presents nine academic papers addressing a range of aquatic invasive species issues including predation, life history dynamics, ecosystem impacts, and physiological tolerances. The papers highlight the need for regional, national, and international cooperation, collaboration on research and management projects, and targeted, specific, and actionable outreach to combat the growing threat posed by aquatic invasive species.

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DOI: 10.3391/ai.2023.18.1.103610

Authors: Wen Xiong, Dong Xie, Qiang Wang, Hui Wang, Zhigang Wu, Heying Sun, Tao Li, Peter A. Bowler

Abstract: Poyang Lake is the largest freshwater lake in China and sustains a high level of biodiversity in the mid-reach area of the Yangtze River watershed. Poyang Lake is also one of the most important aquaculture regions in China, and a great number of non-native species have been introduced into it. We present a current and well-documented list of the non-native species of plants, molluscs, crustaceans, fishes, reptiles, and amphibians currently found in Lake. We found that there are 103 non-native species (83 vascular plants, 12 fishes, three crustacea, two molluscs, two reptiles and one amphibian) that have invaded Poyang Lake Basin, of which 96 non-native species were introduced after 2000. The invasion rate of non-native species reached 4.36 species year-1, which is the highest invasion rate recorded in freshwater ecosystems. The primary pathways of introduction are through the ornamental trade and unintentional escapes (30 species each, respectively), followed by food (19), aquaculture (15), forage grass (four), medicinal and oil (two, respectively), and biocontrol (one). The origins of non-native species are North America (29.12%), Asia (25.24%), South America (20.38%), Africa (18.44%), Europe (5.82%) and Oceania (0.97%). Many non-native species provide significant support for the rapid development of the local economy (such as aquaculture). However, many non-native species pose a great threat to local biodiversity and societal development. More studies that include monitoring and the development of strategies for managing and eliminating non-native species in Poyang Lake are needed.

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DOI: 10.3391/ai.2023.18.1.103438

Authors: Aylin Ulman, Hasan Deniz Akbora, Ozgur Çanak, Elaine Chu, Burak Ali Çiçek, Hasan Ersönmez, Sinan Mavruk, Caner Enver Özyurt, Taner Yildiz, Amy Liu, Nazli Demirel, Daniel Pauly

Abstract: The highly toxic orange-spotted toadfish Torquigener hypselogeneion (Bleeker 1852) [conspecific Torquigener flavimaculosus Hardy & Randall, 1983] is now a very common invasive fish in the Eastern Mediterranean. Its small size, well under 20 cm, may have concealed the danger it represents, and little is known about its biology or ecology. Here, the spawning seasons, gonado- and hepato-somatic index and condition factors of T. hypselogeneion from 3 locations of the Eastern Mediterranean are presented, based on a total of 1360 individuals sampled, i.e., 216 from Finike, 817 from Fethiye (both Turkey), and 327 from Cyprus. Our results show that T. hypselogeneion is a carnivorous species that forages on sandy bottoms, with a preference for small invertebrates, especially the small invasive gastropod Cerithium scabridum, crustaceans (hermit crabs, other crabs and barnacles), and sea urchins; however, at least in some localities, they appear to forgo eating during their peak reproductive period. The parameters of the von Bertalanffy Growth Function for T. hypselogeneion in the Eastern Mediterranean were: asymptotic length = 17.4 cm (total length; TL) and K = 0.96 year-1, implying a longevity of about 4 years, while the mean length at first maturity was about 10 cm (TL) for both sexes. An average-sized adult female (13 cm TL, 45.7 g live weight) was found to contain 1,250 eggs per gram body weight. Based on its high invasiveness and negative impacts to ecology of the Eastern Mediterranean and the human health, we suggest that T. hypselogeneion should be listed as a priority invasive species and that its population closely monitored within the Mediterranean Sea.

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DOI: 10.3391/ai.2023.18.1.101962

Authors: Claire L. Nichols, Gretchen Lambert, Marie L. Nydam

Abstract: Non-native ascidians have long dominated the artificial structures in southern California’s (United States) marinas and harbors. To determine the change in ascidian abundance and community composition over the last several decades, in 2019–2020 we replicated surveys from 1994–2000. We then created nMDS plots using the abundance data collected in the 1994–2000 and 2019–2020 surveys to compare the two groups. Range and average abundance per species were analyzed to determine trends and changes in ascidian community composition. Of the species used for comparison, four are native, three are cryptogenic, and 12 are non-native. As predicted by Lambert and Lambert, non-native species have persisted in southern California; however, ranges and abundances have changed. The only native species found consistently in both sets of surveys, Ascidia ceratodes, remained rare in 2019–2020, with an unchanged average abundance. Several non-native species increased in abundance or remained common. The non-native colonial species Polyandrocarpa zorritensis had the greatest influence on the dissimilarity between the surveys, increasing from rare in 1994–2000 to more common in 2019–2020, and spreading north to Santa Barbara. Several non-native species confined to San Diego in the 1994–2000 surveys have also spread north, such as Botrylloides giganteus and Styela canopus which were found in Santa Barbara in 2019–2020. A formerly unidentified Aplidium sp. has now been identified as the non-native Aplidium accarense. There have also been additional introductions since 2000, including Ascidia cf. virginea and the first report of Ascidiella aspersa in the NE Pacific. The overwhelming trends of the surveys indicate that we will continue to see an increase and persistence of newly introduced non-natives in Southern California marinas, with possible continued northward expansion.

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