<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>Malaysia is recognised among the mega-diversity countries with the abundance of various freshwater species. Malaysian freshwater biodiversity is under threat after the introduction of an invasive peacock bass. The presence of this predator could challenge the coexistence of the native species. In the current review, the most important aspects regarding peacock bass threats to the biodiversity future of local species are addressed. Four non-native species of peacock bass are presently recognised in Malaysia. To date, the peacock bass species expand to all parts of Peninsular Malaysia with no records yet found in Kelantan and Borneo. Invasion success is more susceptible in Malaysian lakes (84.38%) compared to the dams, rivers and reservoirs. The mode of rapid expansion of this species is highly connected to the sport fishing and anglers. A propagule pressure, favourable habitat, prey abundance and feeding behaviours are responsible factors for the successful establishment of this species in Malaysia. The species are generalist feeders and piscivorous in nature. It is difficult to eradicate peacock bass since it provides physical jobs (recreation and tourism). However, the damage the species will cause in future is unpredictable. At this point, proper management of this species must be implemented to reduce its population. This could be achieved through updating checklists of freshwater bodies, improving monitoring systems and public awareness.</p></abstract>

Malaysia is recognised among the mega-diversity countries with the abundance of various freshwater species. Malaysian freshwater biodiversity is under threat after the introduction of an invasive peacock bass. The presence of this predator could challenge the coexistence of the native species. In the current review, the most important aspects regarding peacock bass threats to the biodiversity future of local species are addressed. Four non-native species of peacock bass are presently recognised in Malaysia. To date, the peacock bass species expand to all parts of Peninsular Malaysia with no records yet found in Kelantan and Borneo. Invasion success is more susceptible in Malaysian lakes (84.38%) compared to the dams, rivers and reservoirs. The mode of rapid expansion of this species is highly connected to the sport fishing and anglers. A propagule pressure, favourable habitat, prey abundance and feeding behaviours are responsible factors for the successful establishment of this species in Malaysia. The species are generalist feeders and piscivorous in nature. It is difficult to eradicate peacock bass since it provides physical jobs (recreation and tourism). However, the damage the species will cause in future is unpredictable. At this point, proper management of this species must be implemented to reduce its population. This could be achieved through updating checklists of freshwater bodies, improving monitoring systems and public awareness.

Introduction of Invasive Peacock Bass (<italic>Cichla</italic> Spp.), Its Rapid Distribution and Future Impact on Freshwater Ecosystem in Malaysia

Faculty of Bioresources and Food Industry

Kano University of Science and Technology

Faculty of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Department of Animal Science

Croatian Journal of Fisheries

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Introduction of Invasive Peacock Bass ( Spp.), Its Rapid Distribution and Future Impact on Freshwater Ecosystem in Malaysia

Malaysia is recognised among the mega-diversity countries with the abundance of various freshwater species. Malaysian freshwater biodiversity is under threat...

Introduction of Invasive Peacock Bass (Cichla Spp.), Its Rapid Distribution and Future Impact on Freshwater Ecosystem in Malaysia

Published Online: Mar 13, 2021

Page range: 33 - 46

Received: Jul 29, 2020

Accepted: Nov 10, 2020

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/cjf-2021-0004

Keywords
Biodiversity conservation, Freshwater ecosystems, Invasive species, Peacock bass, Malaysia

© 2021 Aliyu Garba Khaleel et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Introduction of Invasive Peacock Bass (Cichla Spp.), Its Rapid Distribution and Future Impact on Freshwater Ecosystem in Malaysia

Published Online: Mar 13, 2021

Page range: 33 - 46

Received: Jul 29, 2020

Accepted: Nov 10, 2020

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/cjf-2021-0004

KeywordsBiodiversity conservation, Freshwater ecosystems, Invasive species, Peacock bass, Malaysia

© 2021 Aliyu Garba Khaleel et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Keywords
Biodiversity conservation, Freshwater ecosystems, Invasive species, Peacock bass, Malaysia