RESEARCH ARTICLE

THE PROBLEM OF AQUARIUM ESCAPES: A NEW RECORD OF THE TINFOIL BARB FROM SRI LANKA

Abstract

Barbonymus schwanenfeldii is recorded for the first time in natural waters in Sri Lanka, bringing the total of identified freshwater organisms now established in the island as a result of releases attributable to the ornamental-fish trade to 12. This includes ten species of fish, a reptile and a mollusc, of which Clarias batrachus, Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus, Poecilia reticulata, Trachemys scripta and Pomacea sp. are identified as seriously invasive alien species by the IUCN. The regulation of imports of aquatic organisms by the pet trade is recommended to prevent the establishment of further alien species in Sri Lanka.

Keywords: biodiversity hotspot; alien; invasive species; Barbonymus schwanenfeldii

How to Cite: HIRANYA SUDASINGHE,, (2016). THE PROBLEM OF AQUARIUM ESCAPES: A NEW RECORD OF THE TINFOIL BARB FROM SRI LANKA.WILDLANKA, 4(1):Pages 013-021

Published On:2016-03-30

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