Clarias gariepinus in China
Posted: 13 Jul 2011, 15:44
Radhakrishnan, KV, Z-J Lan, J Zhao, N Qing & X-L Huang, 2011. Invasion of the African sharp-tooth catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) in South China. Biological Invasions 13: 1723–1727.
Abstract
We record here the invasion of the African sharp-tooth catfish Clarias gariepinus in the South China biodiversity hotspot, an area rich in endemic and endangered fish fauna. C. gariepinus was introduced into the natural systems as escapees from aquaculture ponds. These catfishes are very large, top predators, and thus have the potential to cause serious threats to the native fish fauna. The impact of C. gariepinus needs more investigation with emphasis on developing techniques for controlling its dispersal.
Abstract
We record here the invasion of the African sharp-tooth catfish Clarias gariepinus in the South China biodiversity hotspot, an area rich in endemic and endangered fish fauna. C. gariepinus was introduced into the natural systems as escapees from aquaculture ponds. These catfishes are very large, top predators, and thus have the potential to cause serious threats to the native fish fauna. The impact of C. gariepinus needs more investigation with emphasis on developing techniques for controlling its dispersal.