Ecological and Genetic Impacts of Introduced and Translocated Freshwater Fishes in Australia

Abstract

The inland waters of Australia have been colonized successfully by 20 species of freshwater fishes introduced to the continent, including 6 poeciliids, 3 salmonids, 4 cyprinids, 5 cichlids, 1 percid and 1 cobitid, all of which reproduce there in the wild. The ecological and genetic consequences of fish introductions and translocations have concerned scientists and water authorities since the late 1960's, although the earliest introductions of salmonids for sport were made towards the end of the 19th century. Impacts of introduced fishes, including hybridization problems, habitat and water quality alterations, competition for space and food, predation and the introduction of exotic parasites and diseases are reviewed. Emphasis is placed on sub-tropical and tropical species, since they appear to present the greatest threat to natural ecosystems. Problems in the translocation of indigenous Australian fishes between drainage systems to supplement recreational fishing are noted; a review of the Lake Eacham rainbowfish, supposedly brought close to extinction in its natural habitat by translocated Australian piscivores, demonstrates that unanticipated predator–prey interactions may result from the thoughtless addition of piscivores to an endemic community. A theoretical perspective on the assessment of candidate species for introduction and translocation is given, and areas of theoretical ecology that may assist in predicting future impacts of introduced species are discussed.