Impact of Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Pisces: Cichlidae) invasion on taxonomic and functional diversity of native fish species in the upper Kabompo River, northwest of Zambia

Abstract

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Breeding pattern of Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) versus native congeneric species, Oreochromis macrochir (Boulinger, 1912), in the upper Kabompo River, northwest of Zambia

“…In sub‐Saharan Africa, most freshwaters have been invaded by alien fish species (Zengeya et al, 2015). The characteristics of invaders include early maturity and a fast growth rate that makes them successful and impact negatively the diversity of native species (Beyruth et al, 2004; Espinola et al, 2010; Jere et al, 2021). In the genus Oreochromis , males build nests for spawning and develop secondary sexual structures (Beyruth et al, 2004; Gozlan et al, 2010; Lowe et al, 2018; Turner & Robinson, 2000).…”

“…These attributes make invasive alien species to be more dominant in areas outside their normal range than native species and may create an ecosystem population imbalance. This population imbalance of native species may cause the native ecosystem to be more vulnerable to resist further impacts of invasion (Jere et al, 2021). Moreover, invasive alien species are difficult to control, in many instances where chemical or physical means were employed; no significant eradication has been achieved (Groombridge, 1992; Jere et al, 2021).…”

“…This population imbalance of native species may cause the native ecosystem to be more vulnerable to resist further impacts of invasion (Jere et al, 2021). Moreover, invasive alien species are difficult to control, in many instances where chemical or physical means were employed; no significant eradication has been achieved (Groombridge, 1992; Jere et al, 2021). This could suggest that a strict policy on the introduction of alien species is the best means to avoid control invasion.…”

“…The introduction of invasive alien species in an ecosystem poses a greater risk to cause ecological disruption in stable environments once it establishes (Ellender et al, 2018; Jere et al, 2021; Lowe et al, 2018; Vicente et al, 2011). This has resulted in possible harmful relationships between invasive alien species and native species (Le Roux et al, 2020; Zengeya et al, 2015).…”

“…Tilapias (Cichlidae) are among the African native species that have been introduced to other continents around the world, because of their ability to reproduce frequently and attainment of early sexual maturing (Azua et al, 2017; van Wilgen et al, 2020). On the contrary, tilapias can have negative effects on ecosystems, causing serious modification on the aquatic community dynamics and further reducing biodiversity (Gozlan et al, 2010; Groombridge, 1992; Jere et al, 2021; Le Roux et al, 2020). Generally, the introduction of invasive alien species threatens the stability of aquatic environments, triggering competition and thereafter suppressing the native communities leading to the extinction of the native species (Gozlan et al, 2010; Lowe et al, 2018; Zengeya et al, 2020).…”