Systematic review of the Australian freshwater ornamental fish industry: the need for direct industry monitoring

Abstract

Invasive species represent one of the greatest biological threats to Australian ecosystems this century. Facilitated by global interdependence, increased connectivity, and established trade routes, the dissemination of non-native ornamental species has led to substantial establishments in Australian waterways. Despite this, recent and ongoing research into the trade and invasive potential of non-native ornamental fish species in Australia is lacking and well behind the global standard. Hampered by a shortage of adequate funding and an inability to make rapid policy-based decisions due to industry influence, restrictions on trade have been slow or non-existent in recent years. Further, the development and maintenance of accurate species trade lists as well as dedicated funding and a coordinated approach to compliance is currently inadequate across all Australian jurisdictions. Here we aimed to identify if existing ornamental freshwater fish records from scientific literature in Australia, including veterinary reports and zoonoses studies, were an appropriate alternative to direct industry monitoring necessary in producing comprehensive trade lists. To test this alternative approach, we identified and collated scientific literature that had recorded captive freshwater fish in the Australian ornamental industry. Our review identified a still inchoate scientific body of literature that is a poor substitute for direct survey approaches, with minimal reporting evident in Australia on the freshwater ornamental fish in trade. Assessment of available species records indicated unassessed, greylisted freshwater fish form a substantial part of the Australian ornamental industry. Nomenclature issues and potential exploitation by the ornamental fish industry were also identified. Given the paucity of contemporary literature on the presence and abundance of traded species within Australia, initiatives including pet store surveys and e-commerce monitoring are vital to collate a complete list of traded species necessary for management of this non-native community. We highlight key research priorities and provide recommendations on the future management needs of the Australian freshwater ornamental fish industry.