Global distribution of the South American peacock bassesCichlaspp. follows human interference

Abstract

South American peacock basses (genus Cichla) have been widely introduced within and outside the Neotropical region due to their importance to fisheries, despite threats to the native fish fauna. We performed a literature review on the worldwide distribution of valid Cichla species by focusing on records of species richness and populations in their native and non-native ranges. We tested for an effect of area, the number of large dams, human population density and gross domestic product as drivers of the distribution of peacock basses across the Freshwater Ecoregions of the World (FEOWs). A total of 544 studies led to 1,289 records of nine species.Their distributions within their native range (19 native FEOWs) were narrower than their distributions in their non-native range (23 non-native FEOWs), which encompass tropical and subtropical ecoregions of the Americas, Africa, Southeast Asia and the Pacific islands. Several of these FEOWs harboured more than one species, usually C. ocellaris and C. piquiti. Ecoregion areas were positively associated with species richness and population records in native FEOWs, whereas the number of reservoirs was positively related to the records of non-native populations. These patterns provide further evidence of the role played by reservoirs as the main pathway for the introduction of peacock basses; thus, special attention should be given to the continuous monitoring of the spread of these invaders across watersheds in invaded ecoregions.Considering their broad distribution and the potential for peacock basses to thrive in human-modified systems, severe damage to the native fish fauna is predicted.

Living on the edge: Reservoirs facilitate enhanced interactions among generalist and rheophilic fish species in tributaries

“…Into reservoirs of Upper Paraná river basin and other Brazilian regions resulting in the biotic homogenizations of native fish assemblages (Franco et al, 2021). This genus has been widely introduced within and outside the Neotropical region and its introduction are mostly occurring in presence of reservoirs (Franco et al, 2022a;Franco et al, 2022b).…”

Invasive peacock basses (Cichla spp.) and decreased abundance of small native fish in Brazilian reservoirs

“…tilapias), and to promote reservoirs as grounds for aquaculture and sport fisheries, based mainly on non‐native species (Pelicice et al, 2014; Charvet et al, 2021). Regardless of the Brazilian legislation against the introduction of non‐native species within the national territory, sport fishermen have been illegally introducing different species of peacock basses around the world, including Brazilian reservoirs (Franco et al, 2022). Such introductions can be prevented through efficient monitoring and law enforcement as well as through educational measures aimed at raising societal awareness, particularly among stakeholders and sport fishermen, of freshwater fish conservation and the damaging effects of non‐native species.…”

“…Peacock basses, specifically yellow peacock bass ( Cichla ocellaris ), are one of the predatory fish species widely introduced in Brazilian reservoirs (Franco, García‐Berthou & Santos, 2020; Sastraprawira et al, 2020). Native to the Amazon, Orinoco and Tocantins‐Araguaia basins, peacock basses have been introduced in North and Central America (Zaret & Paine, 1973; Shafland, 1996), Africa (Hickley et al, 2008), Pacific islands (Rahim, Esa & Arshad, 2013; Guerrero, 2014), and other Brazilian ecoregions (Espínola, Minte‐Vera & Júlio, 2010; Franco et al, 2018; Franco et al, 2022). Detrimental effects of peacock bass introduction on native fish and planktonic assemblages have long been documented (Zaret & Paine, 1973; Latini & Petrere, 2004; Menezes et al, 2012; Pelicice, Latini & Agostinho, 2015).…”

Vetores de mudança diretos e indiretos que afetam a introdução, o estabelecimento e a disseminação de espécies exóticas invasoras

“…Eventualmente propágulos desses organismos podem ser carreados para ecossistemas naturais por dispersão de animais, troca de água ou pela retirada de cobertura excessiva desses organismos em manutenções e limpezas dos ambientes que os contém (Padilla & Williams, 2004). A pesca esportiva tem introduzido espécies como o tucunaré em reservatórios do centro-oeste, nordeste, sudeste e sul, e da truta-arco-íris (Oncorhynchus mykiss) em rios de cabeceiras do sudeste e sul brasileiro (Agostinho et al 2007, Lazzarotto & Caramaschi 2009, Franco et al 2022b. Tais introduções visam aumentar o interesse turístico de ambientes que sofrem impacto antropogênico de outros estressores (por exemplo, represamentos) ou que previamente não apresentavam tais espécies (por exemplo, riachos sem peixes) (Agostinho et al 2007, Lazzarotto & Caramaschi 2009, Franco et al 2022b.…”