INTRODUCTION AND ESTABLISHMENT OF TROPICAL ORNAMENTAL FISH, PTERYGOPLICHTHYS SPP. (ACTINOPTERYGII: SILURIFORMES: LORICARIIDAE) IN HOT SPRINGS: AQUARIUM TRADE AS A POTENTIAL RISK FOR BIODIVERSITY IN TURKEY

Abstract

The aim of this study was to report non-native tropical ornamental freshwater fish species from the Pinarbasi Stream connected with hot-water sources in the Inonu Province (Eskisehir, Turkey). The morphological characters and meristic counts indicated that the examined specimens were: Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus (Weber, 1991), Pterygoplichthys pardalis (Castelnau, 1855), and their hybrids. We also present the evidence of their reproduction and establishment. Successful invasion of these species was evident, as their young-of-the-year and juvenile individuals were caught during the samplings from the same water course. Finally, we discuss the management implications of these species.