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The Sailfin Catfish (Pterygoplichthys spp.) as a non-native aquarium pet: assessment of the potential distribution and public perception

The Sailfin Catfish (Pterygoplichthys spp.) as a non-native aquarium pet: assessment of the... The Sailfin Catfish of the genus Pterygoplichthys is a popular aquarium pet distributed and sold globally through the ornamental pet trade. Pterygoplichthys spp. have established stable populations in various freshwater ecosystems following aquarium pet owners’ deliberate introduction in the regions outside their native range (South America). Colonisations of Pterygoplichthys spp. in multiple areas of India and Bangladesh were reported along with frequent catches with the aquacultural fish hauls and subsequent adverse effects on the socio-economy and ecosystem functions. In the present study, we identified the suitable habitats of Pterygoplichthys spp. using species distribution modelling (SDM) based on global and regional occurrence data considering India and Bangladesh as focal areas. Along with literature surveys and online databases, we used social media platforms to gather additional occurrence data for SDM. In addition, the social media platforms were used to conduct an online survey to assess the public perception regarding using Pterygoplichthys spp. as an aquarium pet and subsequent release to natural waterbodies. The results of SDM indicated that several areas of India and the whole of Bangladesh are high to moderately suitable for Pterygoplichthys spp. colonisation and range expansion which can be prioritised for effective restoration and management. It is evident from people’s perception that raising awareness among the public about the potential impacts of invasive species on the concerned ecosystems may help reduce or stop further deliberate non-native species introductions to natural habitats. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Aquatic Ecology Springer Journals

The Sailfin Catfish (Pterygoplichthys spp.) as a non-native aquarium pet: assessment of the potential distribution and public perception

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References (95)

Publisher
Springer Journals
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2023. Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.
ISSN
1386-2588
eISSN
1573-5125
DOI
10.1007/s10452-023-10055-5
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

The Sailfin Catfish of the genus Pterygoplichthys is a popular aquarium pet distributed and sold globally through the ornamental pet trade. Pterygoplichthys spp. have established stable populations in various freshwater ecosystems following aquarium pet owners’ deliberate introduction in the regions outside their native range (South America). Colonisations of Pterygoplichthys spp. in multiple areas of India and Bangladesh were reported along with frequent catches with the aquacultural fish hauls and subsequent adverse effects on the socio-economy and ecosystem functions. In the present study, we identified the suitable habitats of Pterygoplichthys spp. using species distribution modelling (SDM) based on global and regional occurrence data considering India and Bangladesh as focal areas. Along with literature surveys and online databases, we used social media platforms to gather additional occurrence data for SDM. In addition, the social media platforms were used to conduct an online survey to assess the public perception regarding using Pterygoplichthys spp. as an aquarium pet and subsequent release to natural waterbodies. The results of SDM indicated that several areas of India and the whole of Bangladesh are high to moderately suitable for Pterygoplichthys spp. colonisation and range expansion which can be prioritised for effective restoration and management. It is evident from people’s perception that raising awareness among the public about the potential impacts of invasive species on the concerned ecosystems may help reduce or stop further deliberate non-native species introductions to natural habitats.

Journal

Aquatic Ecology – Springer Journals

Published: Sep 5, 2023

Keywords: Ornamental pet trade; Invasion stage; Non-native species; Species distribution modelling; Social media

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