Invasion status of the common carp Cyprinus carpio L. 1758 in Argentina inland waters

GARCIA DE SOUZA JAVIER; MAIZTEGUI TOMAS; MINOTTI PRISCILLA; BAIGUN CLAUDIO; COLAUTTI DARIO

JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY

WILEY-BLACKWELL PUBLISHING, INC

Lugar: Londres; Año: 2016

0022-1112

The common carp Cyprinus carpio is an invasive fish species that is considered a nuisance in several parts of the world. In Argentina, C. carpio was introduced in the nineteenth century, and although its presence has been documented in many basins, comprehensive information about its invasion status is not available. This study documents the presence of C. carpio in 119 natural environments and 49 artificial habitats, showing an exponential expansion pattern over time. Expansion patterns revealed that after 1970 species records demonstrate the initial introduction of C. carpio in the central portion of the country and subsequent expansion after 1990 to the north, west and south. Using an environmental similarity index it was determined that more than half of the country offers good conditions for C. carpio establishment. Environmental factors and anthropogenic impacts are relevant drivers that can account for the current and future distribution of carp in Argentina.