The extent and causes of crucian carp Carassius carassius decline were assessed during an initial study of c. 25 ponds in north Norfolk, eastern England, U.K., which was then replicated (a validation study) on another c. 25 ponds in an adjacent area. Of these ponds, c. 40 are known to have contained C. carassius during the 1970s-1980s. In the initial and validation studies, C. carassius were found in only 11 of these ponds, yielding declines of 76% (five of 21 ponds) and 68% (six of 19 ponds), respectively (72% decline overall). Non-native cyprinids, including goldfish Carassius auratus and common carp Cyprinus carpio and their hybrids with C. carassius, were observed in 20% of the ponds. Causes of C. carassius local extinction from 21 ponds were confidently determined as desiccation due to drought, terrestrialization and habitat deterioration, hybridization and competition with non-native cyprinids, agricultural land reclamation and predation (after the introduction of pike Esox lucius). This study led to C. carassius being designated as a Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) species in the county of Norfolk, the first formal conservation designation for the species in the U.K. The C. carassius BAP plan aims to halt the decline of this much overlooked species through reintroductions and selective stocking of suitable ponds within the native range of the species.

Despite its social and economic benefits, the trade in ornamental species (henceforth, ‘ornamental trade’) has become a major source of non-native fish introductions into freshwater ecosystems. However, the ornamental trade as a vector for introductions of non-native freshwater fishes is not well defined. We developed a framework incorporating elements of the biological invasion process and a typical ornamental fish trade supply chain to fill this gap. Records of non-native ornamental fishes introduced to freshwater environments of Australia, Belgium (Flanders), Canada (British Columbia), China (Guangdong), the Philippines, Poland, Singapore, the United Kingdom (England), and the United States of America (Florida) were reviewed to explore the pervasiveness of these introduced fishes in the wild. These regional case studies confirmed the prominence of the ornamental trade as a global vector for freshwater fish introductions beyond their natural range. Additionally, we examined freshwater fishes associated with the ornamental trade to identify ‘risky’ species that could establish in recipient regions based on climate match. All regions assessed were at risk of new fish introductions via the ornamental trade, with the number of ‘risky’ species ranging from seven to 256. Further, there appears to be taxonomic bias in the freshwater ornamental fish trade, with 74% of the species belonging to just 10 families (of 67). Current prevention and management approaches and associated polices, regulations and legislation on aquatic non-native species within assessed regions fit five general categories: import controls, risk assessment, whitelist, blacklist, and release ban. However, these prevention/management efforts may not be sufficient to reduce the invasion risk associated with the ornamental fish trade. Recommendations including species- and vector-based risk assessments, better recording of species import consignments, increased public education and industry engagement, and early detection and rapid response are discussed in this review.

1. In response to reported declines in crucian carp Carassius carassius across Europe, studies of the status and population biology of the species in England led to Biodiversity Action Plan priority designation in the eastern county of Norfolk.2. In light of new data on crucian carp populations in eastern England (counties of Essex, Hertfordshire and Norfolk), a comprehensive review of available information throughout its native and introduced European range was undertaken to assess the growth and reproduction at a broader scale, thus contributing to conservation and management strategies at a country scale in the UK.3. For all populations, mean sex ratio was 1:1, back-calculated total length (TL) ranged from 19 to 334 mm, and maximum age was 13 years. Growth and body condition varied greatly across Europe. Growth trajectories in England, Russia and Poland were significantly faster than in Finland. Within England, growth index was lower in Hertfordshire than in Essex and Norfolk, and Fulton condition (plumpness) index was higher in Essex than in Norfolk. 4. Reproductive traits varied greatly both in males and females, with age at maturity ranging from 1.5 to 5 years, and with the shortest life spans observed in England. Length at maturity was usually at a lower TL in males than females (except in Essex populations). Female age at maturity decreased significantly with juvenile growth, which was defined as TL at age 2, the age above which females in most populations achieved maturity.5. Predicted temperature rise (i.e. under a climate change scenario) may benefit crucian carp growth, as predicted for related competitive invaders (e.g. goldfish Carassius auratus). From a conservation perspective, suggested management strategies include reducing populations of non-native fishes, implementing measures of habitat restoration and re-stocking rehabilitated ponds from 'source areas', i.e. those containing crucian carp populations in good status.