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A total of 123 species of non-native freshwater fish, including seven possible hybrids, are recorded from the inland waters in Singapore. The majority (84 species, 68.3%) are from four families: Cyprinidae (37 species, 30.1%), Cichlidae (30 species, 24.4%), Osphronemidae (9 species, 7.3%), and Poeciliidae (8 species, 6.5%). Of these, 42 species-mai...
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... A. citrinellus has been reported from outside its native ranges including Australia (Kroon et al. 2015), Indonesia (Tampubolon et al. 2015), Malaysia (Aqmal-Naser & Ahmad 2018a; 2020), Philippines (Poniente et al. 2019) and Singapore (Tan et al. 2020). Established feral populations of A. citrinellus have been reported from several countries including Singapore (Kwik et al. 2013) and Indonesia (Tampubolon et al. 2015), which suggest that this species soon could be another cichlid species invading natural waterbodies after tilapias (Oreochromis spp.). ...
Neotropical cichlid possesses territorial aggression which explains their success as alien species that pose threats to local fauna. The feeding ecology of Midas cichlid, Amphilophus citrinellus species outside its native range had never been fully understood. We aim to determine the stomach content, length-weight relationship and condition factor of this non-native species in one of the agroecosystems in Malaysia. The fish was collected using a cast net, and the guts were dissected. The stomach content (n = 35) revealed Midas cichlids feed on a wide array of preys including fish, amphibian and gastropod. The b-value is 2.60 (negative allometric growth) and the relative condition factor, Kn is 1.04. This result represents an initial study on the feeding aspect of this cichlid. Subsequent and continued researches are needed to evaluate the feeding behaviour and prey preferences of this species in its introduced range.
... Over the past ten years, numerous studies have reported the presence of Pterygoplichthys outside of their natural range, some identifying the locations of introductions while others describing the growth of existing populations (Wakida-Kusunoki et al. 2016). Some recent reports are from west Bengal of India, Southern India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Hongkong, Singapore and Malaysia (Hossain et al. 2008;Das et al. 2020;Patoka et al. 2020;Tan et al. 2020;Chan et al. 2023;Parvez et al. 2023). ...
The non-native vermiculated sailfin catfish Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus (Weber, 1991) is recorded for the first time in eastern Nepal's aquatic systems. Native to South America, the first reports of P. disjunctivus in Asia were recorded in India, with subsequent reports from Bangladesh, Hongkong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Our findings mark the first known occurrence of a non-native species of sailfin catfish in Nepal. The public, policy makers, researchers, and merchants of ornamental fish all need to be informed critically about the release of non-native fish into natural water systems in light of the concerns. Non-native fish may negatively affect native fish populations if released into natural waters. Therefore, it is imperative that strict measures must be taken to prevent the intentional or unintentional escape of non-native fish into Nepal's natural water systems.
... Over the past ten years, numerous studies have reported the presence of Pterygoplichthys outside of their natural range, some identifying the locations of introductions while others describing the growth of existing populations (Wakida-Kusunoki et al. 2016). Some recent reports are from west Bengal of India, Southern India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Hongkong, Singapore and Malaysia (Hossain et al. 2008;Das et al. 2020;Patoka et al. 2020;Tan et al. 2020;Chan et al. 2023;Parvez et al. 2023). ...
The non-native vermiculated sailfin catfish Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus (Weber, 1991) is recorded for the first time in eastern Nepal's aquatic systems. Native to South America, the first reports of P. disjunctivus in Asia were recorded in India, with subsequent reports from Bangladesh, Hongkong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Our findings mark the first known occurrence of a non-native species of sailfin catfish in Nepal. The public, policy makers, researchers, and merchants of ornamental fish all need to be informed critically about the release of non-native fish into natural water systems in light of the concerns. Non-native fish may negatively affect native fish populations if released into natural waters. Therefore, it is imperative that strict measures must be taken to prevent the intentional or unintentional escape of non-native fish into Nepal's natural water systems.
... Over the past ten years, numerous studies have reported the presence of Pterygoplichthys outside of their natural range, some identifying the locations of introductions while others describing the growth of existing populations (Wakida-Kusunoki et al. 2016). Some recent reports are from west Bengal of India, Southern India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Hongkong, Singapore and Malaysia (Hossain et al. 2008;Das et al. 2020;Patoka et al. 2020;Tan et al. 2020;Chan et al. 2023;Parvez et al. 2023). ...
The non-native vermiculated sailfin catfish Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus (Weber, 1991) is recorded for the first time in eastern Nepal's aquatic systems. Native to South America, the first reports of P. disjunctivus in Asia were recorded in India, with subsequent reports from Bangladesh, Hongkong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Our findings mark the first known occurrence of a non-native species of sailfin catfish in Nepal. The public, policy makers, researchers, and merchants of ornamental fish all need to be informed critically about the release of non-native fish into natural water systems in light of the concerns. Non-native fish may negatively affect native fish populations if released into natural waters. Therefore, it is imperative that strict measures must be taken to prevent the intentional or unintentional escape of non-native fish into Nepal's natural water systems.
... It was not until 1966 that the first comprehensive survey and record of the freshwater fish fauna of Singapore was published by Eric R. Alfred (Alfred, 1966). Since then, surveys specifically targeting the freshwater fishes of Singapore have been carried out more or less continuously to the present day and the freshwater fish fauna of the island is now relatively well understood (Johnson, 1973;Tham, 1973;Yang, 1984;Lim, 1989Lim, , 1991Lim, , 1995Ng & Lim, 1989, 1997aLim & Ng, 1990Munro, 1990;Ng, 1991;Larson & Lim, 2005;Baker & Lim, 2008Larson et al., 2008Larson et al., , 2016Tan & Lim, 2008Ng et al., 2009;Ng, 2010Ng, , 2012b , 2010;Yeo & Chia, 2010;Liew et al., 2012Liew et al., , 2013Liew et al., , 2018Lim & Kwik, 2012;Low & Lim, 2012;Lim et al., 2013Lim et al., , 2016Ng & Tan, 2013;Tan et al., 2013;Kwik & Yeo, 2015;Ho et al., 2016;Li et al., 2016;Tan et al., 2020). Among the intact natural freshwater habitats remaining in Singapore, the most significant by far is Nee Soon Swamp Forest in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve (CCNR). ...
... This habitat represents the last remaining fragment of primary freshwater swamp forest in Singapore, covering an approximate area of just 5 km 2 (Ho et al., 2016;Li et al., 2016). Belying its relatively small size, Nee Soon Swamp Forest harbours more than half of the native freshwater fish species in Singapore, with some species being restricted only to this forest (Ho et al., 2016;Li et al., 2016;Tan et al., 2020). ...
... Recently, several specimens of Encheloclarias were collected from three locations in the Nee Soon Swamp Forest, as part of ongoing ecological and monitoring studies. Despite extensive past sampling efforts to document species of freshwater fishes, there have been hitherto no known records of Encheloclarias in Singapore (Alfred, 1966;Ng & Lim, 1990;Baker & Lim, 2008Ho et al., 2016;Li et al., 2016;Tan et al., 2020). The morphology of the present Singapore specimens, in comparison with type specimens of known congeners, agrees well with Encheloclarias kelioides . ...
We report the discovery of several specimens of the genus Encheloclarias Herre & Myers, 1937, in Singapore, from Nee Soon Swamp Forest in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. Morphological comparisons with type specimens of various Encheloclarias species revealed the Singapore specimens belong to Encheloclarias kelioides Ng & Lim, 1993. This discovery represents a range extension for the species, previously understood to be restricted to peat swamps in eastern Peninsular Malaysia and possibly central Sumatra. A redescription of E. kelioides and comparison against its congeners are provided. Its ecology and conservation status globally and locally are also discussed.
... californica), which were accidentally introduced into Singapore through the means of aquatic plants [3], Singapore is also home to 98 non-native freshwater fish species that have dominated manmade reservoirs and canals [216]. Cyprinidae and Cichlidae account for more than 57.4% of Singapore's non-native freshwater fish species, in line with a study reported by Hui et al. [217], wherein the majority of 123 reported non-native freshwater fish species comprised Cyprinade and Cichlidae, other than Poeciliidae and Osphronemidae. Hui et al. [217] produced a distribution map concerning the density of the establishment of non-native freshwater fishes across Singapore, making it easier to estimate the spreading behavior of IAS. ...
... Cyprinidae and Cichlidae account for more than 57.4% of Singapore's non-native freshwater fish species, in line with a study reported by Hui et al. [217], wherein the majority of 123 reported non-native freshwater fish species comprised Cyprinade and Cichlidae, other than Poeciliidae and Osphronemidae. Hui et al. [217] produced a distribution map concerning the density of the establishment of non-native freshwater fishes across Singapore, making it easier to estimate the spreading behavior of IAS. Nam and Pham [218] also conducted mapping to determine the distribution of invasive yellow snail species and giant spiny catfish in Ca Mau province, Vietnam. ...
... Because Singapore is geographically close, especially to Peninsular Malaysian and Indonesia, the identical climatic type and blooming ornamental trade may be partly responsible for the potential of IAS invasion into these neighboring countries. Hui et al. [217] mentioned that aquaculture freshwater fishes are mostly imported from Malaysia. In Myanmar, Vikhrev et al. [224] used DNA barcoding to study the invasive Chinese pond mussel (Sinanodonta woodiana) and generated a map to record the new temperate invasive lineage of S. woodiana. ...
Freshwater invasive alien species (IAS) are non-native organisms that were intentionally or unintentionally released into local water bodies and later harmed the invaded habitat by disrupting the ecological processes. Over the last few years, environmental deoxyribonucleic acid (eDNA) analyses have been used in many studies to detect IAS, with positive results. However, with the help of geographic information systems (GIS), efforts to detect the presence of IAS can be made faster and more efficiently. In this paper, we review the background of IAS in Southeast Asia and management efforts undertaken involving the input of known habitat-specific geographical parameters into GIS mapping. Via this strategy, it is possible to identify and distinguish areas that fit IAS habitat features from those that do not. eDNA analysis can later be applied to confirm the presence of IAS in detected areas, enabling further studies and actions. The presence of IAS in certain areas can be used as an indicator to assess the environmental integrity of native waterways. This combined method is likely the first approach to be applied to the detection of freshwater IAS in local water bodies. Apart from saving energy and resources, embedding GIS and eDNA into the study of IAS not only benefits the ecosystem but also assists locals and authorities in managing and taking necessary enforcement actions to curb further spread.
... A total of 95 non-native freshwater fishes (and five putative hybrids) were recorded, half of which were associated with breeding populations. Cichlidae, Cyprinidae, Poecilidae, and Xenocyprididae were the most speciose families, resembling reports from mainland China (Xiong et al., 2015) and Singapore (Tan et al., 2020). Cichlids and cyprinids were similarly dominant in the Philippines (Cagauan, 2007). ...
... Most non-native fishes entered Hong Kong via the aquarium trade (64 species) or aquaculture (23 species). This is again similar to findings from the Philippines (Cagauan, 2007), mainland China (Xiong et al., 2015) and Singapore (Tan et al., 2020), as well as the United States (Nico & Fuller, 1999). ...
... With the exception of five putative hybrids, the non-native fishes originated from: Central or South America (27 species), East Asia (21 species), Southeast Asia (15 species), Africa (15 species), South Asia (10 species), North America (five species), Australasia (one species), and Europe (one species). In addition, the majority of non-native fish in Hong Kong (70%) were from tropical regions, which is lower than in Singapore (82.9%; Tan et al., 2020), but is a likely reflection of the warm climate in both locations. ...
Non-native fishes are widespread in Hong Kong and many are likely to be established. Extensive field
surveys, literature reviews, and citizen science data were used to determine the diversity, geographic distribution,
potential introduction sources, and known impacts of non-native freshwater fishes in Hong Kong. In total, 95
species, including five putative hybrids, were recorded. In comparison, there are 65 species of native freshwater
fishes. The majority (62 species) of non-native fishes belonged to five families: Cichlidae (27 species), Cyprinidae
(15 species), Poeciliidae (eight species), Xenocyprididae (eight species), and Channidae (four species). Half of
all non-native species had at least one breeding population. Potential introduction sources were grouped broadly
into three categories: aquarium trade (associated with 62 species and two hybrids); aquaculture (20 species and
three hybrids); and water transfers from mainland China (13 species). Most of the species recorded are native to
Central and South America (27 species), East Asia (21 species), Southeast Asia (15 species), or Africa (15 species).
However, a lack of experimental or manipulative studies and a scarcity of historical data limits our understanding
of the extent of their ecological impacts. This synthesis of all currently available information could provide a
basis for future research work and policy/management strategies that seek to pre-emptively reduce the likelihood
of further species introductions to minimise potential harm to the environment.
... These species were likely introduced into urban habitats as discarded aquarium specimens or as 'hitchhikers' alongside other aquatic releases by members of the public or traders (Yeo & Chia, 2010;Magalhães et al., 2017), as has been reported in many other parts of the world (e.g., Hussner et al., 2010;Martin & Coetzee, 2011;June-Wells et al., 2012). Singapore's status as an international hub for the aquarium trade (Brunel, 2009;Belle et al., 2011), combined with the local popularity of the aquarium hobby (Ng et al., 2010), has already been implicated in the introduction of non-native fish species into waterways (Yeo & Chia, 2010;Tan et al., 2020). Recent years have also seen particular interest in aquatic plants for 'aquascaping' (Awang, 2020), a style within the aquarium hobby that emphasises their aesthetic values, which could in turn facilitate entry via the aquarium release pathway. ...
... Considering their apparent incompatibility with shaded, forested freshwater habitats, non-native macrophyte populations pose little threat to Singapore's natural freshwater ecosystems and their constituent native biota-as long as they remain little-disturbed/fairly intact. Likewise, non-native macrophytes in urban waterways are generally expected to have little ecological impact on native biota, since these waterways are populated mainly by non-native species (Tan et al., 2010b;Yeo & Chia, 2010;Tan et al., 2020). Nevertheless, macrophyte stands in urban waterways may still cause undesirable impacts when their populations are unchecked. ...
... Each stretch of stream was comprehensively sampled using a combination of push nets (60 cm × 40 cm, 1-mm mesh), seine nets (4 m × 1.5 m, 2-mm mesh), cast nets (3 m diameter, 8.5-mm mesh), single-ended fyke nets (50 cm first-ring diameter, 2.5 m guiding net, 10-mm mesh) and fishing lines with circle hooks (Kadye & Booth, 2012;Tan et al., 2020). Netting was carried out for a period of 1.5-2 hr at each site. ...
... Human-related factors influencing C. gariepinus establishments probably are linked to higher propagule pressure in areas with higher human population density and greater accessibility (Lockwood et al., 2005;Pyšek et al., 2010). This is consistent with observations that the species' main introduction pathways in the region are the ornamental fish trade (where it is commonly sold as live feed), discards of live bait by anglers, and escapes from aquaculture facilities (Ng et al., 2014;Shafiq et al., 2014;Tan et al., 2020;Welcomme & Vidthayanon, 2003). Human-mediated introductions are likely to facilitate the species' establishment and subsequent spread by alleviating Allee effects or environmental stochasticity in incipient populations through constant immigrations, and increasing genetic diversity and adaptive potential in invading populations (Catford et al., 2009;Lockwood et al., 2005). ...
The African sharptooth catfish, Clarias gariepinus , is a globally invasive species with known severe impacts, including native species declines through ecological (e.g., competition, predation) and genetic interactions (e.g., hybridisation, introgression). The species was introduced to the Malay Peninsula in the late 1980s, and has since become widely established.
In this study, we used structural equation models (SEMs) (habitat analyses) and stable isotope analyses (dietary analyses) to elucidate the determinants of C. gariepinus invasion success in streams of the Malay Peninsula and investigate potential impacts on native counterparts.
Our SEMs indicate that C. gariepinus invasions were mediated by greater anthropogenic influences as well as environmental conditions associated with open streams (large channels, higher temperatures and lower canopy cover). Additionally, on the one hand, we find that invasions by C. gariepinus have led to substantial negative impacts on the native Asian walking catfish, Clarias batrachus , with the latter being displaced, or in some areas extirpated, from its characteristic open‐stream habitats. On the other hand, C. gariepinus invasions did not appear to impact the native forest specialist, Clarias leiacanthus . Stable isotope analyses showed that all three Clarias species were opportunistic, generalist feeders. There was substantial overlap in the diets of C. gariepinus and C. batrachus . However, C. leiacanthus generally assimilated comparatively greater volumes of aquatic macroinvertebrate prey, therefore reducing dietary overlap with introduced C. gariepinus .
Our findings indicate that propagule pressure and exaptations probably have played a major role in facilitating C. gariepinus invasions in the Malay Peninsula. Furthermore, our results suggest that habitat competition may have acted synergistically with trophic competition to drive C. gariepinus impacts on native species, although this was mitigated by differentiation in ecological preferences.
Our results help shed light on the general characteristics of invasive species, the mechanisms facilitating their proliferation, and the potential outcomes of biological invasions. These highlight the urgent need to manage the introduction, spread and impacts of invasive C. gariepinus in the Malay Peninsula and elsewhere in its invaded range.
... Parambassis siamensis has been introduced in several countries, including Singapore (Ng & Tan 2010;Kwik et al. 2013;Tan et al. 2020), Indonesia (Kottelat & Whitten 1996;Kartamihardja et al. 2015) and Taiwan (Chen & Kuo 2009) where it may represent a threat to local ecosystems. For example, Hedianto & Kartamihardja (2016) reported that the introduction (presumably in 2013) of P. siamensis in Lake Toba (Sumatra) has caused the decline of the population of another fish species, Mystacoleucus padangensis, through the predation of its eggs. ...
We compare several populations of the glass-perchlet Parambassis siamensis (Fowler 1937) (Teleostei: Ambassidae) sampled throughout Peninsular Malaysia to determine their degree of differentiation, using both morphological and molecular characters. Our morphological analyses do not show evidence for the presence of more than one species, with the range of morphometric and meristic characters overlapping among populations. Our genetic analysis using partial sequences of the mitochondrial gene coding for the protein cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) reveals the existence of two clades that diverge from each other by a minimum uncorrected p-distance of 2.2%. The first clade comprises of specimens from south-eastern Peninsular Malaysia (Pahang and Endau-Rompin River basins) along with those from Cambodia (lower Mekong River). The second clade comprises of specimens from western Peninsular Malaysia (Selangor, Kurau, Perak, Muda and Kerian River basins) and north-eastern Peninsular Malaysia (Terengganu River basin), along with those from Chao Phraya River basin nearby Bangkok (type locality of P. siamensis). The presence of specimens with numerous melanophores on body sides in each of these two clades indicates that body marking pattern is not a valuable taxonomic character. This finding supports the conclusion that Chanda punctulata Fraser-Brunner 1955 is a junior synonym of P. siamensis. Altogether, our results support the hypothesis that all populations of P. siamensis in Peninsular Malaysia (along those from Chao Phraya and lower Mekong basins) are conspecific, comprising two genetically distinct, although close lineages. We further discuss the phenotypic plasticity within P. siamensis in relation to lotic and lentic habitats. Finally, we briefly discuss some implications for biogeography and possible causes explaining the distribution pattern.