Invasive Fish Species in India: Challenges, Threats and Impacts

Nimai Chandra Saha; Chandan Sarkar; Anirban Raha Roy

Abstract

There are 31 invasive alien fish species introduced in India for aquaculture purposes, as well as over 600 varieties of ornamental aquarium fishes. Invasions of exotic freshwater fishes have had a negative impact on fish biodiversity. The estimated annual average production of alien species fit for human consumption amounts to approximately 18.2 to 34.5 percent of the annual average production of marketable fish cultures. Many more changes are expected as a result of climate change invading newer areas and ecosystems. The primary goal of this review is to provide scientific information on the impacts of some very common and dangerous invasive alien fish species in India (e.g. Cyprinus carpio, Oreochromis niloticus, Aristichthys nobilis, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Clarias gariepinus, Gambusia affinis, Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus, Pangasianodon hypophthalmus), as well as to shed light on the negative effects of some of these species. When regulating the unauthorized culture and spread of invasive alien species, environmental, socioeconomic and biodiversity issues must be taken into account. Some of the world's most dangerous invasive species are posing a threat to aquatic biodiversity of India. Invasive alien fish species, despite having some appealing cultural characteristics, generally reduce the availability of native (local) fish species.

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