Comparative distribution and invasion risk of snakehead (Channidae) and Asian carp (Cyprinidae) species in North America

Abstract

As nonindigenous species are a major threat to global biodiversity, cost-effective management requires identification of areas at high risk of establishment. Here we predict suitable environments of 14 high-profile species of nonindigenous snakehead (Channidae) and Asian carp (Cyprinidae) species in North America based upon ecological niche modelling and compare the driving environmental variables for the two fish groups. Snakeheads distributions were correlated with thermal factors, whereas those of Asian carps were related mainly to precipitation. Predicted suitable ranges for these nonindigenous species can be divided into three main areas: Mexico and the southern United States (five species); Mexico and the United States up to ~35 °N (three species); and most of Mexico, continuous United States, and southern Canada (six species). For the province of Ontario, we combined the number and location of aquarium stores and live fish markets with predicted areas of suitable environments to identify areas at risk of introduction and establishment. We identified several watersheds draining into northwestern Lake Ontario as having the highest risk, highlighting the increased predictive value of this approach.

DNA Barcoding Indonesian freshwater fishes: challenges and prospects

“…Alternatively, SEA is an important source for exports internationally and several introductions of SEA fishes in temperate zones, North America for instance, with adverse effect on native ichthyofauna have been recently reported such as the striped snakehead [174]. In fact, several snakehead species (Channa spp.)…”

Identification and Location of Testes in the InvasiveChanna argusCantor (Northern Snakehead)

“…We have supplemented the review by Courtenay and Williams (2004) with additional studies as applicable and have included species that have a high potential to cause negative impacts based on current or historical presence in North America. Most snakehead have limited colonization potential in the U.S. due to their thermal tolerances (Herborg et al, 2007), with the exception of the northern snakehead. Accordingly, much of the following narrative will be allocated to this species as the existence of several established populations and the species' wide thermal tolerance have ranked the northern snakehead with the highest risk of establishment.…”

“…The northern snakehead's native range (24-53°N) and water temperature range (32 -89°F, 0-31°C) indicate a species that, if introduced, could establish populations throughout most of the U.S. (Courtenay and Williams, 2004;Herborg et al, 2007), although the highest likelihood for colonization may be the mid and northeast Atlantic slope (Poulos et al, 2012). The northern snakehead could potentially compete with commercially and recreationally important fish species through predation and competition for food and habitat in ponds, streams, canals, reservoirs, lakes, and rivers.…”

“…This species is primarily piscivorous but does have a diet that includes frogs, birds, and crustaceans (Courtenay and Williams, 2004). This tropical and subtropical species is extremely limited in where it could potentially establish a viable population in the U.S. Freshwater habitats in southern Florida and Hawaii are likely suitable climates for giant snakehead in the U.S. (Herborg et al, 2007;Courtenay and Williams, 2004). There are no specific temperature requirements in the literature.…”

“…Thermal preferences are tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate climates (Courtenay and Williams, 2004) with average temperatures of 75°F to 82°F (24°C to 28°C) (Pethiyagoda, 1991, as cited in Courtenay Williams, 2004. Mean air temperature was identified as the most significant environmental variable with respect to habitat suitability (Herborg et al, 2007), and may explain the more tropical distribution of bullseye snakehead compared to other species of snakehead, such as northern snakehead, in the U.S.…”