List of introduced fish in Australia facts for kids
Australia is a unique country, especially when it comes to its animals. Because it's an island, many of its fish species are found nowhere else in the world. These are called endemic species.
However, since the 1700s, people have brought many new animals and plants to Australia. This includes different kinds of fish. These new fish are called introduced or exotic species. They have caused big problems for Australia's natural environment.
One of the biggest problems is the common carp. These fish now live in almost all the freshwater rivers in southern Australia, especially in the Murray-Darling Basin. Carp can live in many different places, even where other fish can't. They have taken over, pushing out native Australian fish.
Another introduced fish causing issues is the trout. Trout are popular for fishing in the cooler, higher parts of rivers in southeast Australia. They can harm native fish like the mountain galaxias and Macquarie perch. Many people don't fully understand the damage trout cause because they are so popular.
Many of the newer introduced fish in Australia started from people illegally releasing aquarium fish into rivers and lakes. Australia still imports many types of fish for aquariums. This means there's always a risk of more exotic fish escaping and causing new problems for the environment.
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Why are Introduced Fish a Problem?
Introduced fish can cause a lot of harm to Australia's natural waterways. They compete with native fish for food and living space. Some introduced fish also eat the eggs or young of native species.
For example, common carp stir up the mud at the bottom of rivers. This makes the water cloudy, which can harm plants and other animals. It also makes it harder for native fish to find food.
What is Being Done?
Controlling introduced fish is a big challenge. Government groups and scientists are working to find ways to manage them. This can include trying to remove them from certain areas. It also involves educating people about the dangers of releasing pet fish into the wild.
It's important to protect Australia's unique native fish. Keeping our rivers and lakes healthy helps all the animals that live there.
List of Introduced Fish in Australia
Here is a list of some of the fish species that have been introduced to Australia:
- American flagfish, Jordanella floridae
- Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar
- Brook trout, Salvelinus fontinalis
- Brown trout, Salmo trutta
- Chinook Salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
- Common carp, Cyprinus carpio
- Convict cichlid, Archocentrus nigrofasciatus
- Domingo mosquitofish, Gambusia dominicensis
- Eastern mosquitofish, Gambusia holbrooki
- Goldfish, Carassius auratus
- Guppy, Poecilia reticulata
- Jack Dempsey, Cichlasoma octofasciatum
- Mosquitofish, Gambusia affinis
- Mozambique mouthbrooder, Oreochromis mossambicus
- One-spot live bearer, Phalloceros caudimaculatus
- Platy, Xiphophorus maculatus
- Rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss
- Redfin perch, Perca fluviatilis
- Roach, Rutilis rutilus
- Rosy barb, Puntius conchonius
- Sailfin molly, Poecilia latipinna
- Speckled mosquitofish, Phalloceros caudimaculatus
- Spotted tilapia, Tilapia mariae
- Swordtail, Xiphophorus helleri
- Tench, Tinca tinca
- Weather loach, Misgurnus anguillicaudatus
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