How do exotic fish impact on the environment?
If released aquarium fish and plants survive and reproduce in the wild, they are difficult, if not impossible, to control or eradicate. They can also: • Establish colonies that compete for available food supplies and habitat, and displace native fish populations. • Spread disease that may affect native fish and other aquatic fauna. • Alter habitat of native fauna and thus reduce populations of desirable fish and other aquatic organisms. • Prey upon native fish and other aquatic flora and fauna. • Cause the establishment of noxious aquatic weeds and snails. • Spread parasitic organisms either directly or indirectly from introduced aquatic plants carrying water snails that harbour parasites. • Affect the genetics of native species by cross-breeding.
