Effects of Introduced Fish in Australia

Abstract

There are 19 introduced fish species taht have self-maintaining populations in Australia. The likely effects of these fish on other fish by competition, predation, hybridization, or introduction of diseases is examined where evidence exists. The possible effects on the environment, either directly or by alteration of the invertebrate communities, is also presented for some species. Most evidence comes from brown trout, carp and mosquitofish, and suggests adverse effects. For the other species, evidence is still only circumstantial with speculative adverse effects. Further research on these and native fish is recommended.