Risk analysis of non‐native three‐spot cichlid, Amphilophus trimaculatus, in the River Cauvery (India)

Abstract

The three‐spot cichlid Amphilophus trimaculatus (Günther) is an ornamental fish known to be invasive but has not been assessed for India. The present study confirmed this non‐native species’ identity using conventional and molecular methods, as well as its occurrence in the River Cauvery, the first for this species in a lotic environment outside its native range. Gut content analysis indicated a diet of predominantly insects. The river's water quality and habitat were conducive for the species’ growth and reproduction. Using the Aquatic Species Invasiveness Screening Kit, A. trimaculatus was ranked as posing a “high” risk of being invasive in the River Cauvery, with climate match analysis showing 58% similarity with the species’ native range. Vector and pathway analysis found that A. trimaculatus was introduced to India via the aquarium trade, although consignment origin remains unknown, and the most likely means of entry into the river and its tributaries was the species’ escaping from holding facilities. Subsequent dispersal and impact of the species on native fauna are discussed. The study's outcomes demonstrate the importance of using risk analysis protocols to inform management of non‐native species in India, with suggestions provided for immediate and long‐term measures for the species’ management.

Molecular Identification of Several Morphologically Distinct Flowerhorn Fish (Family) Using Mitochondrial <i>COI</i> Gene Marker

“…Nasution et al (2022) reported A. trimaculatum population is relatively abundant in the littoral zone of Lake Mahalona, Sulawesi, consisted of up to 21.34% from the total population structure despite being an alien species. Reports outside Indonesia included India's Lake Chenai (Daniel et al 2020) and River Cauvery (Kumar et al 2020) where the fish exhibited predatory behavior and may deter predation by having spiny dorsal fins. The potential for flowerhorn fish to become an invasive species should be considered in the aquarium trade; as a result, fish distributors and owners should check the regulations and avoid releasing the fish into the local environments.…”

Development and application of a multilingual electronic decision-support tool for risk screening non-native terrestrial animals under current and future climate conditions

“…importation/ commercial exploitation/evaluation of existing impacts for a specific risk assessment area (e.g. Castellanos-Galindo et al 2018;Suresh et al 2019;Baduy et al 2020;Zięba et al 2020;Haubrock et al 2021;Kumar et al 2021;Yoğurtçuoğlu et al 2021).…”