Tilapia
(Oreochromis
mossambicus) is an invasive species native to Africa, Sri Lanka and
southern India. They are sometimes
referred to the ‘rabbit’ of Queensland’s waterways. They directly compete with
native species through their aggressive behaviour, for food and habitat space
and are even known to eat native fish’s eggs!
They are mainly a freshwater fish and inhabit shallow streams, rivers,
dams, ponds and lakes (Durack Institute of technology). Many factors make them very successful and
allow them to dominate over native fish. They are highly efficient breeders (including
mouth brooding), their eggs have been known to last up to one month in dry
conditions and adult fish have no natural enemies. Tilapia also has a strong
resistance to disease and thrives in a warm environment. They have a preference
for eating duckweed which can be problematic, which is why tilapia has been
introduced in the past. This has also become a problem for other aquatic plants
as they destroy root systems and dig up the ground (Durack Institute of
technology). Like many pests once they are established in
the wild can be very hard to eradicate so prevention of spreading is best. To stop
the spread of tilapia lies in public education. IT is illegal to breed or buy or sell Tilapia in Queensland and heavy penalties apply. Currently the Department of
Primary Industries is trailing several eradication programs including drying
and draining off in small water bodies such as farm dams. Another option is
poisoning, however this is only under strict circumstances and certain criteria
has to be met as to limit the impacts on native species (Australian Government,
2014).
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| Viewed 31.05.2014 |
References: Noxious Invasive Species Control, 2014, Durack, Institute of Technology.
Queensland Government, 2014, Department of Primary Industries.
A nice example to end off your blogging. Thanks for providing us with some interesting examples and insight on invasive species, particularly of relevance to Australia. I’m sure that this area of research will be one that receives a great deal of attention in the future!
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