Businesses in the pet trade collect and transport many aquatic species around the globe, and some of these individuals are released into new habitats. Some jurisdictions have introduced laws intended to regulate this trade, but these regulations have rarely had the desired effects. Laws regarding pets and the pet trade are often poorly communicated, poorly enforced, and not aligned with hobbyists' beliefs. Consequently, some laws may increase the number of unwanted introductions instead of decreasing them. A significant change in approach is needed, involving far greater communication with scientists, administrations, politicians, the pet industry, and pet owners, promoting euthanasia of unwanted pets rather than release, and the creation and promotion "white lists" of low risk species that can be sold in the pet trade.
Numerous freshwater crayfish species are known to become successful invaders when introduced to new territories. One of the most invasive species in this group is the red swamp crayfish, Procambarus clarkii (Girard, 1852). In addition to other characteristics facilitating its invasiveness, it is also a vector of crayfish plague, a disease mostly lethal to crayfish of non‐North American origin.
Procambarus clarkii, at present the most widespread crayfish species globally, is popular in many countries both for human consumption and as an ornamental animal. An established population of this species was documented for the first time within Indonesia, representing the first record for maritime Southeast Asia. The species is also common in the local ornamental pet trade.
Infection by the crayfish plague pathogen Aphanomyces astaci Schikora was confirmed both in the outdoor population of P. clarkii and in one of the surveyed pet shops. Furthermore, A. astaci was detected in specimens of freshwater crab and shrimp species coexisting with P. clarkii.
Local climatic conditions and the species temperature requirements suggest a high probability of the establishment of P. clarkii in Indonesia. Its further spread could irreversibly damage populations of many native endemic crustaceans in the country (as well as elsewhere in the region), and the thriving local aquacultures of the redclaw crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus (von Martens, 1868) may also be threatened.
The total ban of P. clarkii and other crayfish species of North American origin in Indonesia is strongly recommended, especially considering that aquaculture and trade with Australasian species is a viable alternative option.
Ornamental aquaculture is known to be one of the main sources of non-native species and Indonesia has been identified as one of the leading suppliers of these organisms worldwide. Released or escaped ornamental aquatic animals can establish new populations and become invasive. On the other hand, some invasive species can be also endangered in their native range, which is called the “Biodiversity Conservation Paradox”. This is true for Arapaima gigas, one of the popular ornamental creatures and the largest bony fish of all, which is threatened in its native range in parts of Amazonia and which has been found to occur in various localities in Java and Sumatra in Indonesia. Based on climate matching we found the vast majority of Indonesian territory to be suitable for this species establishment. Keeping in mind the size and predatory behaviour of A. gigas, we discussed possible consequences of its spread and impacts on native biota in Indonesia.
Sailfin catfish indigenous to South America are very popular ornamental fish, having previously been introduced to many regions outside their native range. Two species, namely Pterygoplichthysdisjunctivus and P. pardalis, are illegal but widespread in Indonesia. They have formed self-sustaining populations, exploited for feeding of domestic animals and locally for human consumption. Also possible hybrids of the two mentioned species were recorded. The surveyed populations were considered established which perfectly fits with the climate matching analysis. Further monitoring and inspection of regions highlighted to be suitable for sailfin catfish is recommended.
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