Exotic fishes in the inland waters of Iran: Oppertunities and challenges

Exotic (non native) fishes are species that have been introduced into an area outside of their natural range, for purposes of aquaculture, enhances of fish stocks, control of diseases, control of aquatic plants, sport fishing and research activities or have been introduced accidentally along with other fishes. Some of these exotic fishes act as invasive species, establish self-sustaining populations and spreading beyond their initial point of introduction, with deleterious impacts on the environment, economy and human health. Till date, 29 confirmed exotic species in 11 families have been listed from the inland Iranian basins. Cyprinidae with 10 species (34.50% of the total exotic species) is ranked first followed by the Salmonidae and Poeciliidae (each with 4 species (13. 8%), Cichlidae (with 3 species, 10.3%), Mugilidae (2 species, 6.9%), and 6 families (Anguillidae, Gasterosteidae, Gobiidae, Heteropneustidae, Lepisosteidae and Serrasalmidae) each with only one species or 3.45%. However, there are reports of some other exotic and transplanted species, which have not been recently collected and cannot be confirmed to be present in Iran. Although, the exotic fishes provide different opportunities including aquaculture, enhances of fish stocks, control of diseases, control of aquatic plants, sport fishing, research activities and employments, however due to food and space competition with native fishes, habitat changes, transmission of diseases and parasites, genetic pollution (hybridization) and finally decrease or elimination of native/endemic species create several challenges. With correct, scientific, wisely and sustainable management of these opportunities and challenges/threats, it is possible to prevent or reduce environmental damages

کلیدواژه ها:

Exotic fishes ، Invasive fishes ، Endemic species ، Management