Evaluating Importation of Aquatic Ornamental Species for Biosecurity Purposes

Abstract

The aquatic ornamental species (AOS) trade is a significant pathway for the introduction and establishment of non-indigenous species into aquatic environments. The likelihood of such occurrences is expected to increase worldwide as industry growth continues and warmer conditions emerge under future climate scenarios. This study used recent (2015 – 2019) New Zealand importation data to determine the composition, diversity, abundance, and arrival frequency of AOS. Our analysis revealed that ca. 300,000 aquatic ornamental individuals are imported annually to New Zealand, with freshwater fish comprising 98% of import quantities. Despite the relatively small market size, the estimated AOS diversity of 865 taxa (89 and 9.5% identified to species and genus level, respectively) is comparable to larger markets with ∼60% of taxa being of marine origin. Species (n = 20) for further investigation were prioritized based on quantity and frequency of import. These prioritized AOS were exclusively tropical and subtropical freshwater fish and align with the most frequently imported AOS globally, including the top three: neon tetra (Paracheirodon innesi), guppy (Poecilia reticulata), and tiger barb (Puntigrus tetrazona). Species distribution modeling of the 20 prioritized AOS predicted that 13 species are suitable for New Zealand’s current climate conditions, most notably sucker-belly loach (Pseudogastromyzon myersi), white cloud mountain minnow (Tanichthys albonubes), and golden otocinclus (Macrotocinclus affinis). Potential changes in habitat suitability were predicted under future climate scenarios, with largest increases (29%) for Po. reticulata. The described approach provides an adaptable framework to assess establishment likelihood of imported AOS to inform regulatory decision making.

Integrated index to evaluate the conservation status and commercial interest of ornamental fish imported to Costa Rica

“…The results obtained show a major interest on the Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendans), goldfish (Carassius auratus), Neon tetra (Paracheirodon innesi), Guppy (Poecilia reticulate), Cardinal tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodiin) as key ornamental aquatic species for importation in Costa Rica. These species are in accordance with previous national and international trends (Allen et al, 2017;Atalah et al, 2022;Teletchea, 2016). Although no negative ecological effects have been reported when these species have been introduced into nonnative ecosystems, most of these species have shown high adaptability, as well as accelerated reproduction rates (Magalhães & Jacobi, 2013).…”