Aquarium fish invasions in Türkiye’s lakes and rivers: Assessing risks and consequences
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The introduction of non-native aquarium fish into freshwater ecosystems has become an increasing problem in Türkiye. Owing to the rapid growth in the introduction of non-native aquarium fish, there is a need to assess their dispersal, monitor their ecological impacts, and develop management methods to prevent further introductions. Recent findings have confirmed the introduction of 14 species of aquarium fish into some of the country’s rivers and lakes. Eleven of which are invasive, and the Climate Change Assessment (CCA) and Basic Risk Assessment (BRA) scores of these species are high. Ornamental fishes are distributed throughout the water basins of Türkiye. Introductions are mainly human-induced, often due to pet owners dumping unwanted aquarium fish into the wild without regard for their ecological implications. The species that have been introduced have been found in aquatic ecosystems such as slow-flowing rivers, lakes, and dams, and have the potential to develop sustainable populations. The ecological risks that result from introductions include competition and predation among local fauna and species, interbreeding, habitat modification, and the transfer of diseases and parasites. This study aims to investigate the dispersal of introduced aquarium fish in Türkiye’s freshwater aquatic ecosystems, considering their ecological impacts.
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